Blog

By Joe Aura

As the clock struck 3 pm on June 13th, 2024, all eyes and ears across Kenya turned to Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, who was set to deliver the highly anticipated 2023/2024 National budget. This annual practice of Kenya’s fiscal policy, carries immense weight, especially this year, as the government outlines its plans to tackle the nation’s pressing economic issues. For students at our university and the youth at large, the Finance Bill 2024 poses critical questions about our financial futures and the broader economic landscape.

In the hours leading up to the budget announcement, social media platforms buzzed with speculation and hope. Many Kenyans, particularly those in agriculture and small businesses, hoped for measures to ease their economic burdens. The government’s anticipated expenditure of Ksh.3.9 trillion, up by Ksh.200 billion from the previous year, had everyone questioning where this additional funding would come from and who would bear the impact of the increased spending.

Critics and supporters alike saw this budget as a pivotal moment for President Ruto’s administration. His Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which promised to lower the cost of living, is under scrutiny. The stakes are high, and for university students and the youth, the implications are both immediate and long-term.

The Budget Process: From concept to reality

Understanding the budget process provides a clearer picture of how these decisions are made. According to Citizen TV (https://www.citizen.digital/opinion-blogs) it begins with the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), a three-year outlook on government revenue and expenditure, guided by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Sector Working Groups then prioritize key policies, which are reviewed and included in the Budget Review and Outlook Paper (BROP). This comprehensive document is submitted to the Cabinet for approval by September 30th each financial year, incorporating public participation and feedback along the way.

The Role of Social Media in Public Participation

This year, public participation has taken new forms, with social media platforms playing a crucial role. On Twitter (now X), influential personality Amerix spearheaded the #RespectMyHustle campaign, urging Kenyans to call their Members of Parliament and demand the rejection of the Finance Bill. His message was clear and resonated deeply: “60% of your income goes to the taxman. Whom are you working for? You are working for the state. You are a slave. Refuse to be a slave.”

The movement quickly gained traction, with thousands of Kenyans sharing phone numbers of MPs, flooding their lines with calls and messages demanding action. Influential figures like Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro found their contact details widely circulated, with citizens urged to remind them of their duty to represent the people’s interests.

The Bill’s Impact on University Students and Youth

For university students, the Finance Bill 2024 is more than just numbers on paper—it directly affects our wallets and our futures. One of the most contentious aspects is the proposed tax on digital content monetization. With the digital economy flourishing, many students earn income through platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and other social media channels. The proposed 20% tax on non-residents and 5% on residents threatens to slash our earnings, stifling creativity and entrepreneurship among young digital content creators.

Moreover, the bill includes a housing levy and increased NHIF contributions, adding to the financial burden. For a fresh graduate earning Ksh.50,000, here’s a stark breakdown:

Gross Salary: Ksh.50,000

Deductions:

PAYE: Ksh.14,280

NHIF: Ksh.1,620

NSSF: Ksh.1,080

Housing Levy: Ksh.1,428

Take Home: Ksh.29,192

Living expenses—rent, food, transport, and utilities—quickly consume this amount, leaving little for other essentials like clothing, recreation, or emergencies.

According to Natalie Cowling’s report (Sep 22, 2023) on university enrollment in Kenya from 2017-2023, around 563,000 students registered for the academic year 2022/23. New taxes will apply to graduates above the age of 25 who do not have their own income or live with the contributor. The proposal highlights , these persons will be compelled to pay KSh 300 every month.

The Finance Bill 2024 forces us to confront some uncomfortable realities. Some students and their care givers are already juggling tuition, accommodation, and daily expenses. Adding new taxes and levies makes us question how we will survive and thrive in this challenging economic climate. The visible anxiety is evident in the heartfelt posts and tweets from our peers.

For instance, one user lamented, “Kitambo baddies walikua wanajua tu President, Deputy wake, Raila na Najib Balala kwa government. Siku hizi wanajua hadi CS wa agriculture juu ya incompetence,” highlighting how deeply economic issues are now understood even by those previously disengaged from politics.

Moving Forward: What Shall We Do?

As we navigate these difficult times, it is critical that we remain informed and engaged. Platforms such as Kelvin Onkundi’s Finance Bill GPT (https://chatgpt.com/g/g-JBq7D0E5x-finance-bill-gpt) enable us to learn more and engage in important discussions. There are even creative story themes expressly designed for folks who believe their Instagram pages are too visually appealing to post about social activism and collective action. Understanding the bill’s ramifications allows us to better fight for our interests and hold our legislators responsible.

It is important to highlight that today’s proceedings were simply reading the budget. The Bill will not be voted on until a later date, and it must include public engagement before being passed. According to a publication by the National Council for Population and Development, Kenya has a young population, with more than 80% of the population aged 35 and under. We have the power to influence the policies that affect our lives, whether through social media activity or direct contact with our MPs. The Finance Bill 2024 may seem overwhelming, but it also provides a chance for us to band together and demand a more equitable, inclusive economic future.

By LEEROY WUONE

Leeroywuone02@gmail.com

The Genocide by the Hutu militias against the Tutsi’s occurred between April 7, 1994 and July, 19 1994 in Rwanda during the wake of the Rwandan civil war.

The Tutsi minority ethnic group, moderate Hutu and Twa were butchered by armed Hutu militias. The Kwibuka conference, Kwibuka meaning “to remember’’ in Kinyarwanda held in KICC in early April was attended by Daystar students from IR department in the School of Arts and social sciences (SASS).The conference was the 30^th commemoration in remembering the events that took place between April 7, 1994 and July 19, 1994 that saw close to 1 million people being executed in the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi minority and minority Twa.

The mission of the conference was to exchange ideas, reflect on dark human history and the horrors of the genocide. ‘The lessons learnt are many among the Rwandan citizens and those around the continent. “ Education is vital and eliminates hatred and discrimination, ‘’said the Rwandan ambassador to Kenya. “The failure of the international community to prevent such atrocities is a lesson the world can learn seeing the adverse effects left upon Rwanda as a country after the aftermath of the deadly genocide.’’

Furthermore, I learnt from the Rwandan High commissioner to Kenya Mr Martin Ngoga,that genocides are not born, it’s brought about by segregation,hate,ideological differences and injustice cases among the locals.This,he mentioned was another cause of the past events of the genocide. To cure this the Rwandan ambassador to Kenya urged the attendees of the event to promote peace, justice and reconciliation. One of the panelists,Dr Fred Kaloba Muteli previously a Ugandan said,“It’s not a miracle regarding the outcome of deliberate efforts of leaders leading Rwanda for the past 30 yrs and we would not want another Rwandan genocide, Rwanda is a democracy and is a concensus building nation.’’

Dr Kolaba mentioned that there are eleven political parties in Rwanda,nine being in government and two out of government. President Paul Kagame has been endorsed by four smaller political parties which are already in a coalition with Kagame’s ruling party Rwandan Patriotic front. (RPF) Elections in Rwanda are set to be held on July 15,2024.

Prof Patrick Loch Otieno PLO Lumumba the well known English public speaker and renowned lawyer said that political parties are adversaries insighting them to do bad.He furthermore advised the audience on the need to tell and invest in our own African stories. He said ,“we should have media of our own to tell our stories,do we have them? “We don’t,’’ he replied. He mentioned that we should stop agonizing and start organizing in a manner that has evidence and is believable, evidence based and verifiable.’’

Another Rwandan panelist mentioned that past Rwandan genocide aims to serve unity amongst Rwandans. One member of the audience asked ,“why don’t they prosecute them (genocide perpetrators) in those Western countries? Why do they refuse to bring them to Rwanda for justice on the basis of unfair trial? The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) began its work in early 1995 in Arusha Tanzania,eventhough the perpetrators had to face the so called Gacaca translated to short grass in Kinyarwanda,it was a place where neighbourhood male elder used to meet to solve local problems.Therefore Gacaca were the traditional courts in Rwanda.

When Dr Kaloba was questioned amongst the audience on why President Paul Kagame kept on being re-elected,his answer was simple.He said,“ President Kagame is alive.’’ And he asked again ,“do the other RPF candidates meet the standards for being elected?

RPF does not groom an opposition leader.President Kagame is the best choice we have for now.This is our country and we decide on our affairs.’’

Dr Kolaba mentioned that earlier he had discussed with elite political leaders from the eleven political parties (SDP) the Social Democratic Party,the second largest and one of the oldest political parties accepted President Kagame’s nomination and declined to sponsor a candidate.Eight political parties accepted his nomination out of the nine .Is it good or bad? That decision lies amongst Rwandans.He also reiterated that international media should focus more on the positive as he stressed that it was false terming President Kagame as a dictator,he stressed that Rwandans only re-elected him for the positive changes his government has made to make Rwanda a better country.Most Rwandans are surprised and would not have pictured the current Rwanda looking back thirty years ago.Kigali at the moment is the cleanest city in Africa.

Mrs Charity Kagwi,who is the Crime Prevention,Criminal Justice and Anti-Corruption Head of Programme,Eastern Africa under the United Nations Office On Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reminded the panelists at KICC that chilly morning of how the Hutus used a local popular radio station to continually refer to Tutsi tribal members as Inyenzi translated to cockroaches in English.As the  support for the characterization of such defamatory claims grew among the Hutus,it essentially stripped away any moral obligation to see Tutsi’s as fellow human beings.Mrs Charity Kagwi also mentioned that people were killing their mothers for them not to be exterminated painfully by Hutu militia’s.“It is never okay to dehumanize someone,’’Mrs Kagwi said.

To resolve such atrocities one of the panelists advised that state-society relations should be restored.“How do you bring citizens to actively participate?’’ If a re-ordering of relations of government and people can be done that would be great, we can re-engineer solutions. He reminded the audience that President Kagame then a military officer and his peers helped stop the genocide against Tutsi’s. Kagame was previously a commander of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF),a rebel armed force which invaded Rwanda in 1990.The (RPF) was one of the parties of the conflict during the Rwandan Civil war and the armed force which ended the Rwandan genocide.He was considered a de facto leader under President Pasteur Bizimungu,he was also a minister for defence and Vice president but that vice-presidential position was abolished afterwards.

“If we don’t meet,our children will meet,’’ended Mrs Charity Kagwi in her remarks (UNODC).

“We must be quick to forgive,a turn of vigilance.Tell our African stories from an African perspective,’’these were the last remarks of Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba PLO who is a Kenyan lawyer and activist who was the director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission.He is currently the director of the Kenya School of Law having served previously as the director of Kenya  Anti-Corruption Commission from July 2010 to August 2017.

The event was organized by the Rwandan High commission and the moderator for the panel discussion was Mr Eugene Anangwe who is the Rwanda country manager at CNBC Africa, since May 2022.

The facilitation of students to and fro Daystar,Valley road campus to KICC to attend the thirtieth commemoration of the Rwandan genocide was done by Mr Martin Kioko a congress representative from the school of Arts and Social sciences (SASS) Valley road campus.The event happened in early April,2024.

By Joe Aura,

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of ‘Game Seven’ in the world of sports. And tonight, the Minnesota Timberwolves are set to bring the heat against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, in their home stadium.

The Timberwolves have shown they can dominate, obliterating the Nuggets in their own den. Denver, after bouncing back from a 2-0 deficit, found themselves unable to tame the Wolves’ relentless spirit, pushing this electrifying series to a decisive Game 7.

Star player Anthony Edwards has been on fire, racking up 27 points and outshining Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP who recently claimed his third MVP award in four years. Edwards’ stellar performance has not only intensified the anticipation for Game 7 but also highlighted his potential to become the new face of the NBA.

• With the old guard giving way to the new, tonight’s game is more than just a battle for victory—it’s a clash of titans with the winner poised to claim the ultimate prize. As the clock ticks down to the 3 AM East African Time tip-off, all eyes are on Anthony Edwards, aka AntMan, who could very well cement his place in NBA history with a win tonight.

By Esther Nalotwesha,

In the fast-paced world we live in, it is very easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of what truly matters. We often find ourselves stuck in routines, consumed by obligations, and chasing societal expectations, leaving little room for authentic living and personal growth. However, life is a precious gift, and the key to unlocking its full potential lies in our ability to embrace every moment with intention, curiosity, and a zest for adventure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you break free from limitations, cultivate a growth mindset, and live life to the fullest.

(IN FRAME: A QUOTE FROM MATT CAMERON)

Redefine Your Priorities and Values: The first step in living life to the fullest is to reflect on your priorities and values. Take a step back and ask yourself: What truly matters to me? What brings me genuine fulfilment and joy? By identifying your core values and aligning your life with them, you’ll find a renewed sense of purpose and direction. As you do this, reflect on your passions, interests, and the things that ignite your curiosity. Perhaps it’s exploring new cultures, pursuing a creative endeavour, or contributing to a cause you believe in. Once you’ve identified these values, make conscious choices that honour them, and let go of activities or commitments that no longer serve you.

Embrace New Experiences and Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Growth and fulfilment often lie outside our comfort zones. To truly live life to the fullest, you must be willing to embrace new experiences and challenge yourself in ways that push the boundaries of what you thought possible. Make a conscious effort to try new activities, explore unfamiliar places, and engage with diverse perspectives. Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking up a adventurous hobby, or immersing yourself in a different culture, these experiences will not only broaden your horizons but also foster personal growth and create lasting memories. Stepping out of your comfort zone may feel daunting at first, but remember that growth occurs when we courageously face our fears and embrace the unknown. Celebrate small victories, and use them as stepping stones to tackle even greater challenges.

Cultivate Meaningful Relationships: Humans are inherently social beings, and meaningful connections with others are essential for living a fulfilling life. Invest time and effort into nurturing relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Create opportunities for quality time, deep conversations, and shared experience. Additionally, be open to expanding your social circle and meeting new people. Attend events, join clubs or communities, or volunteer in causes you’re passionate about. These interactions can lead to enriching connections, diverse perspectives, and a sense of belonging that enhances your overall well-being. Remember, true connections are built on mutual understanding, vulnerability, and authenticity. Be present, listen actively, and share your genuine self with others. These bonds will not only enrich your life but also provide a support system during challenging times.

Prioritize Self-Care and Personal Growth: Living life to the fullest requires taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Prioritize self-care practices that nourish your body, mind, and spirit. This could include regular exercise, mindfulness practices, eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Additionally, embrace a growth mindset by continuously learning and developing new skills. Invest in personal and professional development opportunities, such as taking classes, attending workshops, or reading books that challenge and expand your knowledge. This commitment to lifelong learning will not only keep you intellectually stimulated but also equip you with the tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.

Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude: In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, often missing the beauty and richness of the present moment. Practicing mindfulness can help you slow down, become more aware of your surroundings, and appreciate the small joys that life has to offer. Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few moments each day to pause and be present. Notice the sights, sounds, and sensations around you, and savour the experience fully. Hand in hand with mindfulness is the practice of gratitude. Cultivate a mindset of appreciation for the blessings in your life, no matter how small. Keep a gratitude journal, express thanks to those who have positively impacted your life, and find joy in the simple pleasures that often go unnoticed.

Embrace Failure and Resilience: Living life to the fullest inevitably involves taking risks and facing challenges. Failure and setbacks are inevitable parts of the journey, but how you respond to them can make all the difference. Reframe your perspective on failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. Reflect on the lessons learned, and use them as stepping stones towards personal development and future success. Embrace a growth mind-set, and recognize that resilience is built through overcoming adversity. Remember, the road to living life to the fullest is not a straight path but rather a winding journey filled with ups and downs. Develop coping strategies, seek support from loved ones, and cultivate a positive attitude that focuses on possibilities rather than limitations.

Contribute to Something Greater than Yourself: Living a fulfilling life extends beyond personal pursuits and achievements. It also involves contributing to something greater than yourself and leaving a positive impact on the world around you. Identify causes or organizations that align with your values and passions, and explore ways to get involved. Whether it’s volunteering your time, donating resources, or using your skills and talents to make a difference, these actions will not only enrich the lives of others but also provide a sense of purpose and meaning. Additionally, be mindful of your ecological footprint and strive to make sustainable choices that protect our planet for future generations. Small actions, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, or supporting eco-friendly initiatives, can have a ripple effect and contribute to a better world.

Generally, living life to the fullest is a journey of intentional choices, personal growth, and embracing every moment with curiosity and gratitude. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone, nurturing meaningful connections, prioritizing self-care, and contributing to something greater than yourself.

Remember, this journey is unique to each individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all formula. Embrace your authentic self, celebrate your victories – both big and small – and have the courage to learn from setbacks. Most importantly, savour the present moment and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you each day.

Life is a precious gift, and it’s up to you to make the most of it. Embark on this path with an open heart and an adventurous spirit, and you’ll unlock a world of fulfilments, growth, and lasting memories that will enrich your life in ways

you never imagined.