When asked about net worth, most people think immediately of their possessions, their assets and liabilities. This focus often drives us to accumulate more, believing that a greater net worth lies in material wealth. This isn’t necessarily wrong. However, for some, net worth is measured not by possessions but by the number of people served. The more lives you impact, […]
THE TRAIN RIDE
News travelled fast down our street: I was going to Kisumu for the Christmas holiday. For families like ours in the city, trips “upcountry” were rare, especially for those of us living in the slums, where life was often day-to-day, and journeys outside the city were few and far between. My friends were excited and flooded me with questions. “Do […]
BREADWINNER
Every family has that breadwinner(s), the person/people through whom all blessings flow. This individual(s) understands the significant role they play in supporting their loved ones, and they approach this responsibility without complaint or blame. They recognize that the universe has placed them in this position to be a guiding light for others—it’s a natural part of life. As the breadwinner(s), […]
NOT LYING
When the head of state speaks about the government’s achievements, he isn’t always lying. In fact, many Kenyans initially agreed with him, as he built his manifesto on empirical evidence. He took the time to analyse the data, allowing for thoughtful policy proposals. However, once in power, the reality of governance set in. The demands of leadership are relentless; he […]
MOUNT KENYA
We met Wilson at Cedar Mall in Nanyuki. He was our guide for the climb and couldn’t hide his curiosity. “Any beer in the last two days? Smoking? Sex?” he asked, inspecting us as if our answers would determine our fate on the mountain. After a quick once-over, he concluded, “You don’t look like hikers,” he said in a thick […]
LIFE IN REVERSE
I wanna live my next life backwards! You start out dead, which means you get that part out of the way right from the start. Then, you wake up in a nursing home, but instead of getting worse, you are feeling better every day. Eventually, you’re in such good shape that they kick you out for being too healthy! Then […]
TO WHOM
Motivational speakers have long been eloquent about the power of gratitude and the benefits that come from practicing it. They often remind us of the importance of finding things to be grateful for and focusing on those moments of grace in our lives. It has become common practice to compile lists of things we are grateful for, and this habit […]
THE ONE
One of the most powerful ways to discover your true self is to embrace the concept of fait sur mesure, which means “made to your measure” in French. If what society or culture hands you don’t suit who you are, it’s essential to have the courage to carve out a way of life that does. This involves understanding that you […]
WASHINGTON DC
Saturday mornings were always about finding ways to make money. Washington, a brother to my childhood friend Yusuf, was always leading the charge. Washington liked to be called “Washington DC,” and he was a friendly guy who was well-known among the kids from Ngomongo and nearby streets like Korokocho, Baba Dogo, Kasabun, and Lucky Summer. The Nairobi River separated Ngomongo […]
CHESS, NOT CHECKERS
Chess is more than just a game; it’s a reflection of life itself. Each piece on the chessboard has its own unique role, just like we do in the real world. Among these pieces, the King and Queen hold special significance, and their movements can teach us valuable lessons about life, relationships, and the challenges we face. Let’s start with […]