Life Hacks

   As we usher in the New Year, Dr. Paul Sharp, the Director of Sharp Education Centre and Junior School in Kayole Corner, Nairobi, and a NEC Member of the Unified APBET Schools Association (UASA-Kenya), has shared his reflections and vision for the country, emphasizing education, leadership, and national cohesion.Strengthening Parenting FoundationsDr. Sharp has urged parents to embrace their pivotal role in shaping the future of their children. He called for stronger parenting foundations, particularly for those with learners in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), encouraging them to actively support their children in alignment with teacher directives.For secondary school learners, especially those in Forms Two to Four, Dr. Sharp emphasized the importance of hard work from the start of the academic year. He discouraged exam malpractice, urging students to maintain integrity and focus on identifying their strengths as they prepare for career pathway decisions.Government Support for EducationAddressing the government, Dr. Sharp called for increased investment in the education sector. He stressed the need for:Recruitment of more teachers in public schools.Adequate and timely capitation for learners.Enhanced support systems for CBC implementation.He also appealed for the reinstatement of capitation funding for low-cost private schools (APBET), which serve learners in hard-to-reach areas, arguing that these institutions play a critical role in ensuring access to quality education for all.A Call for Political MaturityDr. Sharp urged Kenyan politicians to adopt more constructive approaches to resolving differences, cautioning against confrontational tactics that undermine national unity. He suggested reintroducing the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) policy as a means of fostering dialogue and addressing pressing national issues before the next general elections.Leadership and AccountabilityTo the presidency, Dr. Sharp emphasized the importance of genuine dialogue with stakeholders across various sectors to address the challenges facing the nation. He called on the President’s advisors to offer candid and honest feedback to enable informed decision-making.A Message of HopeAs the country moves forward, Dr. Sharp reminded Kenyans of the importance of unity and resilience. He urged all citizens to play their part in building a better nation, guided by principles of integrity, hard work, and mutual respect.Dr. Sharp’s message is a timely reminder of the collective effort required to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2025.  Read More 

   Senator Richard Onyonka has declared that he will not attend the State New Year’s Eve Dinner hosted by President William Ruto at the Kisii State Lodge on December 31, 2024. In a statement issued today, Onyonka expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the ongoing issues of abductions, corruption, and violations of citizens’ rights under the current administration. He stated that these unresolved issues have led him to protest by skipping the high-profile event, which is traditionally a gathering for top government officials and dignitaries. Onyonka’s decision highlights the growing discontent among some leaders with the government’s handling of key national concerns.  Read More 

   By Grace Waithaka Hon Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the People’s Loyal Opposition, called on Kenyans to unite in the fight for democracy, accountability, and justice in 2025. Reflecting on a challenging 2024, Musyoka congratulated the Kenyan youth who led peaceful protests against 2024 Finance Bill courageously, despite violent government crackdowns.He also condemned the Kenya Kwanza administration for alleged human rights abuses, including violent dispersals of protests, abductions, and intimidation of dissenting voices. He demanded the immediate release of 82 abducted youth and urged international partners to speak out against the violations.Addressing electoral integrity, Musyoka criticized delays in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing the government of scheming to manipulate the 2027 elections. He called for urgent reforms and promised robust resistance to any autocratic practices.Looking ahead, Musyoka assured Kenyans that the Opposition would lead efforts to restore constitutional democracy and resist oppressive taxation, corruption, and mismanagement. He also announced plans to strengthen Azimio La Umoja’s leadership by appointing Philip Kisia as its new Executive Director.“2025 will not be business as usual,” Musyoka declared. “We will stand firm for every Kenyan—teachers, farmers, youth, and the common mwananchi—to ensure justice and prosperity for all.”  Read More 

   By Wasike Elvis Benjamin Natui, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Ngenyilel Ward, has outlined his plans to enhance access to clean water for residents in the area, citing it as a top priority for the upcoming year. Speaking to residents and stakeholders, MCA Natui shared a comprehensive update on water projects undertaken in 2024 and highlighted future plans for 2025, promising significant improvements in the lives of local families.When Natui first took office, clean water access was a major challenge for many households in Ngenyilel. However, he emphasized that substantial progress has been made. This year, over 70 percent of the ward’s budget was dedicated to addressing the water crisis, ensuring that essential water projects were not only initiated but completed. Five water projects were successfully carried out in different parts of the ward, benefiting hundreds of households. Natui explained that the focus was on completing fewer projects but ensuring they were fully funded and finished, with each project costing at least Sh 5 million.”Water is a fundamental need, and we made it our priority. This year, we invested heavily to make sure the water projects we started were completed,” said Natui. “In the coming year, we will continue with this focus and expand our efforts. We are planning to build five more water projects, ensuring that every part of the ward will have reliable access to clean water.”The MCA also acknowledged the support from local leaders and residents, noting that the positive feedback and successful implementation of the current water projects serve as a testament to the effectiveness of prioritizing essential community needs. He further assured the public that the water projects will continue to be a central focus of the development agenda for 2025.In addition to water initiatives, MCA Natui highlighted other key development projects for 2025. He reaffirmed his commitment to education by increasing the bursary fund from Sh 6 million in 2024 to Sh 8 million in 2025, aimed at helping students from low-income backgrounds continue their education. The bursary increase will provide much-needed relief for many families in the ward, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent talented students from pursuing their studies.“We believe that investing in education is investing in the future of our children. Next year, the bursary fund will be increased to Sh 8 million to support even more students who need financial help to continue their education,” Natui added.The MCA also emphasized the continued development of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) facilities. In 2024, Sh 10 million was allocated to building and improving ECDE centers, with a focus on completing unfinished projects. “We are committed to ensuring that our children have access to a conducive learning environment from an early age. The ECDE projects will continue, and we will ensure that every school is equipped with the necessary resources,” said Natui.Another notable initiative is the “Inua Mama na Kuku” program, which seeks to empower women by providing them with chickens for income generation. For 2025, Natui has allocated Sh 3 million to further support women in the ward, enabling them to start poultry farming and improve their livelihoods.“We are committed to empowering women, and this program is one of the ways we are helping them build sustainable sources of income. In 2025, we will give out chicks to women, ensuring that they have the tools they need to thrive,” Natui explained.Furthermore, Natui emphasized the importance of infrastructural development and ensuring that all projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner. “Our approach is simple: we focus on a few projects but make sure they are well-funded and completed. This ensures that the community sees real, lasting results,” he said.  Read More