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Category: Opinion

  • SUPERMAN

    By Chelangat Caren,

     

    For a decade, Superman has been stuck in the awkward space between “godlike” and “unrelatable.” The 2025 reboot finally drags him out of that trap by asking a simple question: what if the most powerful person on Earth was also the kindest? Directed by James Gunn, this new Superman does not waste time brooding in the dark or blowing up cities for spectacle. It drops us into a world where heroes already exist, where the internet argues about them like they are  in a group chat, and where Clark Kent is trying to figure out how to do good without losing himself. The result is a film that feels like a deep breath after years of holding your breath in the theater.

     

    The movie’s biggest win is its tone. This Superman is earnest without being naïve, hopeful without being corny. David Corenswet plays Clark with a quiet sincerity that makes you believe he’d actually stop to help a cat out of a tree between saving the planet. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is sharp, fast-talking, and not just there to be rescued—she challenges Clark in ways that make their relationship feel like a partnership, not a plot device. And Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is chilling precisely because he is not a cartoon villain. He is a billionaire who genuinely believes humanity does not deserve saving, and he is smart enough to make you almost agree with him for two minutes.

     

    What sets this film apart is how much it cares about small moments. Yes, there are massive set pieces: Metropolis gets leveled, kaiju-sized threats appear, and the sky lights up with color. But the scenes that stick with you are quieter—Clark talking to his dog Krypto, who is gloriously messy and loyal; Lois and Clark debating journalistic ethics over late-night coffee; Pa Kent’s simple advice about choosing kindness even when it costs you. Gunn understands that Superman works best when you believe he cares about people individually, not just as statistics. The action is clean, fast, and easy to follow, avoiding the shaky-cam, gray-filter fatigue of earlier DC films. The color palette is bright, the score by John Murphy and David Fleming leans into classic heroism without feeling like a nostalgia grab.

     

    It is not perfect. The plot juggles a lot—multiple villains, political subtext, a packed supporting cast—and sometimes it feels like it is  sprinting to fit everything in. Some side characters could have used more breathing room, and the third act leans a bit heavy on CGI spectacle. But the film never loses its emotional core. At its best, it reminds you why Superman mattered in the first place: he is not inspiring because he is invincible, but because he chooses to care in a world that often does not.

     

    Superman 2025 works because it refuses to be cynical. In a year of sequels and reboots that play it safe or lean into grimdark, this film argues that sincerity is still a superpower. It is messy, hopeful, a little goofy, and deeply human—just like Clark Kent. You walk out not just entertained, but reminded that choosing to be good, even when it is  inconvenient, still matters. Years from now, we might forget the exact plot beats, but we will remember the feeling: sitting in a dark theater and believing, for two hours, that someone out there still believes in us. And honestly, that is  the kind of blockbuster we needed.

  • WAPOA SZN 2: The Sequel

    By Teddy Otieno,

    With a rollout that began with the release of the lead singles “Me & U,” “Talk to Me Nice,” and “Name,” coupled with a string of social media teasers, anticipation for WAPOA SZN 2 was palpable. Big Yasa made it clear early on: a third album was in the works, and this second instalment mattered.

    I received WAPOA SZN 2 on a Thursday, exactly one week before its official release on July 30. The first file was faulty, prompting Philip Koth to resend the album, this time split into twelve separate attachments. An unceremonious delivery, perhaps, but fitting for a project that reveals itself gradually.

    I have lived with this album for months. I’ve listened to it early in the morning and late at night, in a matatu on my way home, with friends, as background music, on my home theatre, just on repeat. This album has been a companion. It is for and about women, and I’ve allowed it to soundtrack my own shifting emotions toward different women in my life. It feels like a diary of moods, snapshots of intimacy, longing, bravado, reflection, and love.

    The Sequel Effect

    Album sequels are a double-edged sword. They give an artist the opportunity to deepen a concept or extend a narrative, but they also carry the weight of living up to a prequel that listeners already hold dear.

    WAPOA SZN, released in 2024, marked a significant departure for Yasa, from raw drill into a calmer, emotionally vulnerable persona. It was as if he had revealed an alter ego. Love, relationships, and emotional introspection replaced bravado.

    That softness was briefly interrupted by the release of the Mad Clan Tape in October 2024, a collaborative project by the Kibera-based Mad Clan rap unit. Here, Yasa returned to drill, flanked by Spinx Mafia, Ngovo Das, Sumbua, Madiko, and Obeezy. The tape delivered sixteen aggressive, high-energy rap tracks. Iyanah Kiragu was the sole featured vocalist, adding moments of femininity and acoustic texture.

    Released seventeen months after its predecessor, WAPOA SZN 2 cements Yasa’s sonic pivot. He doubles down on emotion, vulnerability, and melody. If the first album was an introduction, the sequel is a refinement.

    Sound and Bars

    Produced entirely by Hatikvah Murage, WAPOA SZN 2 clocks in at just under thirty minutes across twelve tracks. I’m no expert in music production, so I won’t pretend to dissect the technical details. Hatikvah himself has shared breakdowns on Instagram for those interested.

    What stands out is the intentional minimalism. The production gives Yasa’s husky voice, sometimes rapped, sometimes sung, ample room to breathe. The album carries a nocturnal, mood-heavy sound that sits comfortably between R&B, alternative hip-hop, and rap.

    At his core, Big Yasa is a rapper, and experimentation doesn’t exempt him from the fundamental metric of the genre: pen game. Rap is a sport. Your writing determines how seriously you’re taken. What distinguishes Yasa here is his simplicity. It’s difficult to explain without listening, the bars are unpretentious yet effective. He writes from lived emotion, and you can feel it. His delivery is effortless, almost as if he’s strolling alongside the beat rather than chasing it.

    Track list: For the Women, With the Women

    The title WAPOA, slang for “fine ladies,” sets the agenda. This is an album built around feminine presence, both thematically and literally. Of the eight featured artists, five are women: N’Jiru, Osa Nkiru, Andia Sande, Venna, and Sailor Goon. Their contributions add melody, perspective, and tonal contrast. Many of the songs unfold like conversations rather than performances.

    Ajay and Pappi Mulla are the only artists to return from the first WAPOA SZN. Luo trap artist Wuod Baba closes the album with the outro.

    Thematically, WAPOA SZN 2 explores intimacy in its many forms, lust, dancefloor chemistry, tenderness, trust, and loss. Women function as muse, mirror, and measure of self.

    I spoke with Yasa in October during the build-up to the album’s first live performance. We met in Makina, Kibera after a planned live band rehearsal was postponed. When I asked why he chose to have Hatikvah produce the entire album, he simply said, “Hatikvah anaielewa.” Hatikvah gets it.

    He also revealed that, with the exception of Sailor Goon, all collaborators physically linked up in the studio. There’s an authenticity that comes from shared space, something you can hear in the music. At the time – October, he told me Concentrate was the track he had on repeat.

    Conclusion

    WAPOA SZN 2 is a curation of moods. It is an album of fragments, brief, intense, sometimes unresolved moments of intimacy that mirror the nature of relationships themselves.

    The project feels deliberate and well thought out. Big Yasa proves that his vulnerability is not a gimmick but a genuine artistic evolution. This is an album that belongs to women in voice, in theme, and in inspiration. It also belongs to men who are learning how to feel, to admit distraction, and to love openly while still holding on to the bravado of being a hustler.

  • F1 (2025) A Hollywood – Sports Film

    By Joe Aura, aurajoe6@gmail.com

    F1 (2025) is a good ‘Hollywood’ fantasy of the sport.

    Visually, it delivers an authentic reconstruction of Formula 1 racing put on film. Narratively, it leans into Hollywood logic so hard that purists may need a neck brace. The result is a movie that is written in perfect script, but in the wrong language.

    The film stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a veteran driver making an improbable comeback, partnered with rising star Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). Filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends, with real cars, real paddocks, and real team principals roaming in the background, the movie achieves a level of realism that traditional sports dramas rarely touch. The seamless integration of real F1 personalities – Toto Wolff, Max Verstappen, and even the Sky Sports commentary crew – gives the film an almost documentary-like immediacy.

    The film soars in its technical execution.

    Director Joseph Kosinski, who elevated aerial cinematography in Top Gun: Maverick, does for motorsport what he previously did for fighter jets. Working with cinematographer Claudio Miranda, he uses custom-built cameras mounted onto modified F2 machines, creating visceral, vibrating close-ups of wheel-to-wheel combat. Unlike the polished, TV-friendly broadcasts fans are used to, the film plunges the viewer directly into the claustrophobic violence of 300 km/h decision-making. The speed feels real because it is.

    The neutral, clean color grade – faithful to some track conditions – gives the film the texture of a modern sports documentary. Meanwhile, Hans Zimmer’s score pulses beneath the chassis like an idling V6 hybrid: restrained when needed, thunderous when unleashed.

    But for all the technical mastery, F1 could not resist Hollywood flair. And this is where some fans slam the brakes.

    Several race sequences rely on physics-defying heroics, impossible overtakes, and a spectacular fireball crash from which a driver recovers with suspicious speed. Strategy is simplified to safety hazard levels – “Plan C for Chaos”- a far cry from the razor-sharp, data-driven realities of modern F1. And while Lewis Hamilton’s role as producer helped elevate accuracy, even his involvement couldn’t prevent the script from leaning into familiar underdog tropes: the aging legend returning to glory, the friction-turned-friendship between teammates, and a subplot romance squeezed into a sport where drivers barely have time to breathe.

    The paddock environment, however, is startlingly believable. I felt like I was in a paddock myself. Kosinski captures the militaristic precision of pit crews, the media storms, the pressure-cooker atmospheres, and the corporate spectacle that surrounds every race weekend. It is the closest the average viewer will ever get to the Formula 1 they watch but do not truly see.

    In the end, F1 (2025) is a dazzling cinematic achievement wrapped in a script that could have taken more risks. It is thrilling, undeniably beautiful, and engineered with obsessive care – yet it asks audiences to suspend disbelief at every narrative corner. Casual viewers will cheer. Hardcore fans will wince. But both will walk out entertained.

     

    For story pitches, commissioned writing, or collaborations, connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aura-joe-digitalproducer/recent-activity/articles/

  • The Relevance of Involving The Gen Zs in Decision-Making in Kenya

     

    By : IMMANUELA BURUTI

    In Kenya, there has been a continued wave of civic awakening experienced in recent years especially through the voice of the Generation Z (Gen Z). This generation has proved to be a powerful political and social entity that is young, computer literate, and socially responsible. Their demonstrations and cyber campaigns have generated critical discussions all over the nation not only on the subject of governance, but also the youth potentiality in shaping the future of the country. Gen Z uprise could not be described merely as revolt against economic provisions, but rather a need to be heard, to be noticed and to be more involved in leadership.

    One of the most striking manifestations of the Gen Z power was held in June 2025 when the youth organised against the problems of corruption, police brutality, and unemployment. The protests attracted both the national and international media with much more focus after the death of the activist Albert Ojwang in Nairobi which had occurred in a tragic manner. His death turned into the call to justice and change.

    Using sites like TikTok, X (previously Twitter) and Instagram, young Kenyans were able to spread their message without going through the traditional media channels thereby making sure that their grievances were heard by both the local and international audiences. There were various grievances Gen Zs had and they all related. They cried foul over the corruption that is rife draining funds supposed to be used in development projects.

    Gen Zs protesting in June 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya (Photo: BBC News, 2025).
    They sought justice regarding the issue of police brutality, reminding of similar tragedies that happened in the past like the incident concerning the killings of student protestors in 2017 in

    Kisumu. They mentioned the issue of systemic unemployment where recent graduates only find few job opportunities and that government leaders detach themselves with what they go through.They were also concerned about the climate changes and environmental degradation and the youth climate activists had demanded that policies should be based on sustainability.

    The significance of including Gen Z in the decision-making can hardly be emphasized. To begin with, they constitute the biggest group of people in the country since about 70 percent of the population of Kenya is below the age of 35. The way they are locked out of leadership frustrates the youths to contribute the energy, creativity, and innovativeness that comes with youthfulness.

    There is no question of bringing them on board out of goodwill but of indispensability as their role is directly influenced by current policies that would affect them tomorrow.
    Secondly, digital mobilization capabilities of Gen Z can be turned into a strategic asset of governance. Digital inclusion and the adoption of e-governance among governments across the globe are taking place and Kenya needs to ensure that these changes are embedded by involving the youth in their policymaking decisions that focus on the use of technology. Their technological literacy plays an essential role in misinformation resistance, better civic education, and accountability of the leaders.

    Third, Gen Z has new insights regarding issues like climate change, gender equality, and mental health, topics that the older generation in leadership divides have not engaged much. Their activism demonstrates that they are willing to protest the state of the affairs; their solutions are based on innovativeness and inclusivity. Take the example of child inspired movements like the Green Generation Initiative, which is headed by Elizabeth Wathuti and how young leaders can spearhead action on climate as well as creating awareness among the

    young people to pursue sustainable development.The government and the society also need to take a purposeful planning in order to incorporate Gen Z in decision-making. To start with, I think that it is important to have formal youth councils with a legislative influence both at county and national level. Not only would these councils give expression to the voices of young people, but would institutionalize their role in policymaking.

    Finally, to generate trust, it is important to involve the Gen Z in the process of governance. The disappointment that was evident in the demonstrations revealed that a lot of youth are not connected to political systems. Involving them in decision-making processes will win back the trust of the people in a democratic system, minimize apathy and direct the enthusiasm of the youth into positive nation-building.

    To sum-up, the Gen Z uprising served as an eye opener to the nation. It not only showed the frustrations of the younger generation but also how great they were in changing the society. The government should understand that it cannot implement sustainable development without involving this group actively. Through involving Gen Z in the partnership of decisions and leadership, the Kenya will advance a more inclusive, innovative and resilient future.

     

  • Skills are the new currency of employment.

    By Eden Koech

     

    A four-year degree once opened doors to job opportunities . Now it barely gets you through the front gate or even a call back .This is because the job market has drastically changed and employers have changed with it .These days the person who can solve a problem , build something or create results gets hired regardless of whether they hold a university degree .In a world that’s driven by speed , innovation and flexibility , it’s your skillset that matter most .

    Why Degrees Aren’t Enough Anymore

    General education from university may look good on paper , but it no longer dazzles employers the way it used to .They want proof of skills that are measurable, not lecture notes .

    Employers are realizing that just having a degree does not mean one can do the job . Many graduates lack practical ,job-specific skills especially in a fast-paced and ever changing field like technology. Some applicants come with years of theory–based knowledge with little or no hands-on experience and need to be trained from scratch which leads to a long hiring process and is more costly for the company .This leads hiring managers to move away from looking at transcripts and instead test through tasks. For example , in marketing one can be asked to draft an ad . They can have real world scenarios where a candidate is asked to handle an actual task or solve a problem they would likely face on the job rather than just answering traditional interview questions .Hence even with a clear and comprehensive five-year career plan one needs the right skills since companies want people who can adapt quickly ,learn fast and deliver results . By the time a four-year course is done , the industry tools or platforms might already be outdated .

     

    In 2025 companies are moving more into skill based hiring meaning that the playing field is slowly being leveled in a very saturated job market . However, to stand out even more there are

     

    different strategies one can explore like skill stacking or mastering in one high income skill . Indeed describes skill stacking as the concept where individuals make themselves more valuable by gaining a wide range of skills instead of pursuing a single skill or talent. One can strive to pursue complementary skills that may support each other and create a unique new set of skills. Doing this offers a realistic path to success and provides more opportunities in various fields.

    Why is this effective?

    It increases one’s value as an employee, driving them to higher earning potential , encourages entrepreneurship and allows one to pivot in their career path .

    Learning high income skills means investing time and effort to master a practical ability that employers, clients, or the market are willing to pay well for . These skills usually involve solving problems, creating value, or improving results . These skills are in demand and can be learned independently (self-taught ). The benefits are career flexibility since such skills let you work as a freelancer,job security due to its demand and instead of studying for years,some can be learned in a few months ,especially with consistent practice and mentorship.With freelancing one can build a full-time income from a skill .

     

    Due to the fact that digital access has increased one can work from anywhere or for anyone.Most global platforms like Upwork ask for your portfolios, past projects ,your reviews and your reliability to get the job done .This leads to companies hiring across borders .They are not fixated on traditional requirements as long as you can deliver quality work one is qualified for hire.A solid portfolio of a skill, a laptop, and wifi allow people to create work opportunities for themselves .

    Even better , short online courses on different skills are offered online either free or charged at a very affordable price if one needs certification at the end of it . Short courses can be completed in a matter of weeks or months depending on what one wants to study . They focus only on the essential,job ready skills .There is no filler content, just what one requires to start working. Moreover the courses come with certification that are recognized . With platforms like Coursera,Udemy and edX one can access online learning and receive world class education.

    Especially since it’s within these platformsthat universities such as Stanford, Yale and Havard which are known for their academic excellence offer courses for free or for a small fee and one can be certified enhancing their chances of being picked if they put themselves out in the job market .

    In a world where employment rules are being rewritten , the winners will be those that break through the plateaus . Plateaus of limited opportunities .Plateaus of waiting years to be hired.

    The job market is competitive ,yes but not impossible .Those willing to learn, relearn and unlearn will always be ahead .The opportunity is already online ,flexible and accessible .Degrees still matter, but in today’s world it’s the doers not just the scholars ,who get hired .

    The future of work belongs to those who learn faster, adapt quicker and aren’t afraid to prove themselves. If you can show it you can sell it .

     

  • “In God’s Name? The Dangerous Rise of Cultism in Kenya’s Churches”

    By:Vivian Kisamo  

    I grew up believing that churches were places of peace where people come to heal, connect, and find spiritual purpose. For millions of Kenyans, that belief still holds true. But today, that faith is being twisted by a dangerous reality.Some churches are no longer sanctuaries. They’re traps. Under the guise of religion, cult-like groups are spreading quietly across the country, feeding off people’s trust and vulnerability. What once brought people closer to God is now, in some cases, leading them straight into manipulation, abuse and even death.

    One of the darkest reminders of this truth came in 2023, when Kenyan authorities made a horrific discovery in the Shakahola Forest in Kilifi. Pastor Paul Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church, had convinced hundreds of his followers to fast to death in order to “meet Jesus.” What investigators found was beyond shocking: over 430 bodies buried in shallow graves, many of them children. Survivors described a nightmare being locked away, denied medical care, isolated from their families, and forced to give up personal identification. Salama Masha, a survivor, told Nation Africa,“Before we moved to Shakahola, a preacher kept warning us that the end of the world was coming. We were scared and convinced it was the only way to be saved.”. What began as religious devotion became a death sentence.

    And just two years later, in April 2025, history nearly repeated itself. Police raided the Melkio Saint Joseph Mission of Messiah Church in Rongai, Migori County, rescuing 57 malnourished congregants and recovering two bodies from secret graves. Although the case is still under investigation, early findings suggest members were subjected to teachings and conditions very similar to those seen in Shakahola massacre such as isolation, obedience, and the rejection of medical help.

    And it’s not just isolated cases like Shakahola and Rongo. In rural areas across Kenya, there are growing reports of churches urging members to abandon medicine, isolate from their families, and surrender all they have to self-proclaimed “prophets.” These communities often lack oversight, and these groups thrive in the shadows often protected by scripture, fear, and silence.

     

    But why do people follow such leaders? The answer lies in vulnerability. In regions facing poverty, trauma, and unemployment, many are simply looking for hope. A charismatic leader offering miracles and salvation becomes more than a preacher but they become a lifeline. And slowly, followers are taught to obey without question.

    Dr. Susan Gitau, a counselling psychologist, said in a 2023 interview with The Star: “When people are emotionally wounded or socially isolated, they’re easy targets. Cults offer love and community at first, then twist that into total control.”She emphasized that cults are built not just on lies, but on people’s unmet .

    ESadly, in many churches across Kenya, questioning a pastor is treated as questioning God. The phrase “do not touch the anointed” is used to shut down criticism, even when clear signs of abuse are visible. This mindset allows cult leaders to act with impunity and the consequences can be fatal.

    This is not a uniquely Kenyan problem. In South Korea, the Shincheonji Church was linked to a major COVID-19 outbreak after members defied health guidelines. In Nigeria, “miracle pastors” have caused financial ruin and death. And in the U.S., cults like Heaven’s Gate and the Branch Davidians ended in mass suicides and violence. Across the globe, the pattern repeats: one leader, unchecked authority, blind obedience and tragedy.

    Some argue that government regulation of churches threatens religious freedom. But freedom of worship must never include the freedom to exploit, abuse, or kill. As President William Ruto declared after Shakahola, what Mackenzie did was “terrorism.” Parliament has since begun debating stricter laws to regulate religious institutions, which is a vital step but not the only one. Real change starts with awareness in our families, in schools, and in the pulpits.

    If a spiritual leader demands that you silence your doubts, cut off your family, or surrender your independence that’s not faith. That’s control.Jesus never called His followers to starve, to abandon their loved ones, or to obey blindly. True belief empowers and liberates. Yet, across this country, wolves in robes are hiding in plain sight — and they are burying our people.

    It’s time to wake up because some crosses don’t point to heaven. Some point straight to Shakahola.

  • The Silent Struggle: When Our Digital Lifelines Go Quiet

    By Tehila Namai

    Byline: In a world built on digital connection, a phone’s silence can be more unsettling than peace for a student.

    That sudden, dreaded silence. Not the peace of a quiet library, but the chilling absence of a notification from your phone after an M-Pesa transfer. Or maybe, the university portal email you never saw. In a world where our lives revolve around digital pings and alerts, the unexpected disappearance of these vital communications can hit even the calmest student hard. For us, staying connected isn’t just nice to have; it’s the hidden thread holding our academic, financial, and social lives together.

    Think about a typical university student here in Kenya. Our days are a constant juggle: lectures, assignments, part-time jobs, and trying to keep a social life. Right at the heart of all this are services like M-Pesa and solid network coverage. M-Pesa isn’t just for sending money; it’s how we pay for matatus, grab a quick meal at the local kibanda, send cash back home, or pool money for group projects. That SMS confirming a transaction isn’t just a receipt; it’s real peace of mind, proof that money went through, and a crucial record in a jam-packed day. When those messages suddenly vanish, even if the transaction itself worked, it throws everything into doubt: Did it actually go through? Am I stuck here without fare? Is my money safe?

    Beyond our finances, our entire academic world runs on digital channels. Lecture notes fly around on WhatsApp, assignment deadlines hit via SMS or the university’s online system, and group work happens in virtual spaces. Missing a key message, whether it’s a network hiccup or our messaging apps secretly filtering things out (which is a real pain for Android users), can have serious consequences. We could miss a deadline, make the wrong call on a project, or simply fall behind. All these small, digital snags add up, piling on stress, wasting precious time, and sometimes even costing us money.

    The recent issues with M-Pesa SMS delivery, especially for certain phone types or those using different messaging apps, expose a real weak spot in our daily lives. It means we have to constantly double-check balances and manually confirm transactions, adding an extra layer of worry to already busy schedules. While there are fixes, like digging through spam folders or switching back to basic apps, it feels like the burden shouldn’t just be on us, the users, to sort out what are, at their core, essential service problems.

    For service providers and our universities, this isn’t just a minor technical issue; it’s a clear sign that they need to understand how fundamental digital communication is to our well-being and our education. Investing in strong, reliable systems and making sure they tell us

     

    upfront if there are any problems giving us clear instructions and easy ways to get help isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s absolutely necessary.

    Ultimately, the silent phone isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a glaring reminder of how much we depend on these digital connections that simply have to work. For students navigating the whirlwind of modern life, always being able to access vital digital services isn’t just about making things easy; it’s about creating a space where we can truly succeed, without the added weight of digital uncertainty. Our futures, in so many ways, rest on these invisible, yet incredibly important, connections.

  • Friend or Foe? What AI Really Means for the Future of Creatives

    By Sheila Wambua

    With an exasperated sigh heard at the end of the call, Joe Musyoki sinks into his office chair at home while clearing his throat and tells of his experience with the use of AI in the creative field as a professional Graphic Designer.
    “Let’s just say I am focusing a bit more on AI, this thing can’t be ignored, either you learn it or you get left behind.” Joe Musyoki, who has decades of experience in the creative world, tells Involvement.
    In the past 2 years, AI has gotten a major traction, with famous works like AI-powered portraits that are hanged in the museum, to the vast amounts of data AI has.
    “I am also learning it on the side, it especially helps me when coming up with copy for poster etc., I suck at writing copies.”
    Burnouts are sadly way too common especially in the creative field. This is commonly seen when deadlines pile up and you run out of inspiration or get too tired to work on any more

    projects. AI tools would be helpful because it would help people to relieve some of the pressure mentally.
    Many of the creative works released on social media today have subtle traces of AI in them. Whether its AI-assisted storytelling, AI prompts on the posters or used in designing a product to AI written projects. Use of AI generators such as MidJourney and Zapier make work easier for the graphic and product Designers. One click is all it takes to compose an illustration which would have taken you hours to sketch out and illustrate on the software. For some, it is a miracle come true, but to others it is a double edged sword.
    “As a designer you have to use it to your advantage, and it’s already replacing some of us. A rough example is the illustrators, honestly I don’t feel very comfortable right now, I need to find other ways to make money other than design.”
    There have been a lot of cases whereby, in an art competition, some competitors would hand in their projects only for it to later be recognized as AI. The AI is already being utilized in place of real professional talent which has taken years to cultivate. Many professionals would cry out that it is foul play for someone to use AI when they themselves had to put in blood, sweat, and tears in their work.
    But is it really foul play to use AI when one of the standards required is a deep understanding and refinement of how to use the AI prompts?
    Elsewhere, Brian Leonard, a Kenyan Graphic designer with Lenny Arts in Nairobi, tells The Star that, “The integration of AI to my workflow has been a great thing! I’m able to put out so much more accurate, near-perfect work with the same energy as I would back before AI. I’m able to come up with awesome scripts as if it’s something I would have done for a very long time.”

    The problem however comes in with the copyright issue. If an artist uses AI to generate a photo, are they allowed to claim it as their own, or is it the machines? Who really gets to “own” it? Who gets to claim that they “made” it?
    If you guide the AI with your imagination, refine the outputs, and curate the result, then are you still the artist? The AI could be your assistant, not your replacement.
    “While AI is both interesting and also a bit scary especially in copywriting, there is a lot of learning that can be got from AI and that AI will also benefit from a human hand.” Leonard Dzoga informs the Newsroom.
    Based on the opinions expressed by the professionals in the creative industry, we should expect AI to play a bigger role in the future as it keeps on ad壯陽藥
    vancing. It is the reality of how things will unfold, and anyone who wishes to stay relevant in their line of work, has to learn to adapt. AI on its own is not creative, but is a useful assistant if used wisely.

  • The struggle of mental health among students and young people

    By Isaac Biosse

    Picture this.

    You’re out with your friends at your regular chill spot. On this particular day, you went early because you needed to get some work done. You thought you’d be the first one there, only to find almost everyone already seated, enjoying time with the community. Granted, some of them were curating a show that day, so they had to be there early. But then there’s K—who, on a normal Tuesday, would be in the office.

    Anyway, you finish your work early and join the rest as you all wait for the evening show. K is his usual self—full of life. He’s making terrible dad jokes, giving people random hugs, and sipping his favourite tequila. Typical K.

    After the show, you finally decide to head home early because you’re exhausted, and you still have work the next morning.

    The next day comes, and life goes on the usual cycle. You then remember that you had promised K you’d link up again later that evening for a music show, but you weren’t able to make it, and you didn’t even communicate with him.

    Then Thursday comes. You go about your day’s business until around 3 p.m., when the most dreaded phone call comes in. The person on the other end is sobbing. You try to find out what’s wrong. And then they break the news:

    “K is no more. He left us yesterday.” A vibrant student who was chasing after his PhD, A stellar pianist and musician, ‘’No more?” I was heartbroken

    Suddenly, the world comes to a standstill. No more? Left yesterday? I mean, on Tuesday he was just fine, according to how you’ve known him. So what could have triggered him between us going our separate ways on Tuesday night and the morning of Wednesday? So many questions.

    Just like that, a young soul, full of dreams, ambition, and love for others, is gone. What wasn’t visible, though, was the pain. The sleepless nights. Many times he almost gave up hope. But this time, the monster had won. This happened to someone in my circle.

    You see, the concept of mental health may feel foreign to many, but it lives among us daily.

    According to the 2022 Kenya National Adolescent Mental Health Survey (K-NAMHS):

    ● Approximately 10% of adolescents experience anxiety, and 7% experience depression.

    ● Another report shows that 46% of students aged 12–17 are struggling with depression, while 38% are dealing with anxiety.

    ● 80% of young people who struggle with suicidal ideation have an underlying mental health condition.

    ● Around 311 youths die by suicide in Kenya every year—a number likely higher due to underreporting.

    There are many causes of mental health conditions: biological, environmental, psychological, digital influences, and even substance use.

    Mental health is a real struggle. We can’t ignore it. We can’t run away from it. And no one is immune.

    The best we can do is be aware, create safe spaces for our peers, and treat therapy as a lifestyle practice, not just a response to crisis.

    And as many say, “It’s okay not to be okay.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Student Moms: Raising Children While Earning a Degree

    by Cindy Maloba

    I opened my eyes at exactly 1:47 p.m. to the soft sounds of beeping machines, low voices, and dim lights. A gentle tap on my palm and a soft voice said, “Cindy, you’re in recovery now. The surgery went well.” That’s when it hit me – I had just delivered a baby.

    It was Friday, November 15th, 2024. At 5:30 p.m., my school timetable read: INS-412X – Development of Modern Africa & Christian Values. As a Daystar University student, I was supposed to attend that class and sit for a CAT. Yes – on the same day I had a caesarian section. Daystar is strict about class attendance, and missing the CAT we were to have that night, wasn’t an option I could easily take.

    You can be a good mother and still follow your dreams.

    You totally can, if you so desire.

    _ Serena Williams

    According to the 2024 Kenya Data and Health Survey, 1 in every 5 girls aged 15–19 is either pregnant or already a mother. A 2005 report by Elimu Yetu Foundation confirmed that Kenya’s education policies do not formally discriminate against girls or women (Juma, 2024).

    Being an undergraduate student mom comes with unique challenges. We don’t just attend classes and write assignments—we also raise children. From sitting for CATS, doing group work, and participating in school activities to managing diapers and sleepless nights—it’s a heavy load. Balancing both can be exhausting, and sometimes, you may even forget that motherhood is a blessing.

    The emotional pressure is real too. Many student moms struggle with guilt, anxiety, and fear of judgment. Society often pressures us to focus on school, leaving little room for grace or empathy. A 2022 report by the East African Nature and Science Organization pointed out issues like missed CATs, poor group participation, skipped classes due to clinic visits or lack of childcare, and overall emotional strain as major reasons why young student mothers struggle in school (Mwangi John Munyua, 2022).

    On that evening of November 15th 2024, I missed my class, plus the consecutive Monday. As a mother who had just undergone an emergency Cs, I needed hospital care for 4 days and partial bed rest for utmost 2 weeks as I recover. As all these things happen, classes continue and we are preparing for final exams. There was no way I was going to allow myself to miss exams and re-do these units. 10 days later, my nanny took her Christmas off and the nightmare begun. Luckily for me, I am an evening student. I chose to go to the village and seek help from my mama, expressing milk, letting her take care of my 2 week old baby, as I sat for exams in the evening.

    Kenyan universities like Daystar offer blended learning – combining online and face-to-face learning. This system can be a great help for student moms, but it needs more support and clear policies. Many young mothers might not have parenting experience, but they are doing their best. Many of them manage to study and raise children at the same time – and that’s something to be celebrated.

    In the end, should motherhood be seen as a curse? Absolutely not. It’s a challenge, yes – but not a burden. With the right support, flexible learning options, and understanding systems, student mothers can thrive. We are not asking for special treatment – just a fair chance to chase our dreams, like everyone else.

    To every student mom out there: keep going. You are living proof that it’s possible to hold a baby in one hand and a degree in the other.

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/student-moms-raising-children-while-earning-degree-cindy-maloba-uwq1f/?trackingId=E6G%2BWzzoQ4qz3p0oyK4Lgw%3D%3D

     

     

     

     

     

    References

    (n.d.).

    Juma, D. C. (2024). Motherhood in Institutions of Higher Learning: The Case of Public . Mombasa.

    Mwangi John Munyua, D. W. (2022). Influence of Student Motherhood on Academic Performance in Public. East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 114.