Essays
By Lucy Atieno A colleague of mine in the publishing industry recently shared a story while we were comparing notes on book sales, and it perfectly illustrates the crisis facing many new writers. “Two years ago, an aspiring author rang…
By Lee Kamutu The Kenyan publishing industry is steadily opening up. Thanks to technology, aspiring authors no longer have to toil over rare typewriters or draft long manuscripts by hand. Today, personal computers allow authors to compose materials on the…
By Jane Odeny To the general public, authors often seem exceptionally accomplished. They publish books, contribute ideas to public discourse, and draw readers into stories born from their imagination. Behind the scenes, however, many authors grapple with significant self-doubt and…
By Elijah Mbalaria The High Court’s judgement on the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ignited a firestorm from Kenyan legal scholars, civil society groups, and constitutional purists. The mechanics of the court’s findings present a profound logical…
By David Onyango President William Ruto’s recent government reshuffle has raised eyebrows in the wake of serious crises in the education and health sectors. The transfer of Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok to the Tourism docket, has been touted…
By Miriam Nyandika Kenya’s natural heritage is under sustained pressure. Across the country, forests are shrinking, wetlands are being occupied, recreational parks are being repurposed, and protected wildlife habitats are increasingly threatened by encroachment. While development remains essential for economic…
By Jane Odeny The recent recovery of KSh 65.3 million in cash from the Syokimau residence of Patrick Analo Akivaga, Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Urban Development and Planning, has once again thrust the issue of public accountability into the…
By Risper Atieno Kenya has long distinguished itself as one of East Africa’s most open democracies. Compared to many of its neighbors, it boasts a progressive constitution, a vibrant civil society, an independent media ecosystem, and a history of competitive…
By Elijah Mbalaria Kenya has a gradually nurtured a habit of silencing its reformers before they even get the chance to effect change. The country’s political history is littered with movements that began with genuine conviction and ended up as…
By Miriam Nyandika Sharad Rao is an eminent Kenyan jurist, author, and public servant whose life and career serve as a remarkable front-row seat to the making of modern Kenya. Born in 1935 to Indian immigrant parents, Rao grew up…