Author: Khusoko

Clean cooking conversations in Kenya often revolve around solutions for our homes and businesses. But what about our schools? For decades, there has been a silent crisis unfolding in Kenyan schools—one that continues to choke our forests, our children’s health, and our national budget. Inside the Smoke-Filled Kitchens Endangering Health and Forests Now, picture a typical kitchen in a learning institution. Smoky, soot-filled roofs with chimneys that billow smoke and piles of firewood. Never mind that the kitchen was repainted before school opened in January. Preparing wood for cooking takes manual labour, and the smoke has long-term adverse effects on…

Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, engaging nearly 70 per cent of the population directly or indirectly. Yet, for decades, farmers have faced a persistent challenge: how to access reliable, profitable markets for their produce. While Kenyan farmers toil tirelessly in their fields, producing crops that sustain the nation, their returns often fail to reflect their efforts due to inefficiencies in market access, exploitation by middlemen, and losses along the supply chain. For days, months, and years, they are always looking for solutions. And that is why, when financial institutions with an eye on innovation, such as Stanbic Bank,…

As we move deeper into 2025, the pressures on workers globally have intensified. Rising living costs, blurred work-life boundaries, climate disruptions, and economic uncertainty are no longer fringe issues; they are central to how people experience their jobs. According to Gallup, only about 34% of employees worldwide say they are “thriving,” and global employee engagement fell to 21% in 2024. That figure should give every leader pause because well-being is not a perk; it is a determinant of performance, retention, and long-term competitiveness. From Perks to Strategy: The Evolution of Workplace Wellness Over the years, the definition of workplace well-being…

Kenya is celebrating a historic milestone as Professor Phoebe Okowa becomes the first Kenyan elected to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Her appointment marks a breakthrough for the country and the African continent in global legal leadership. Prof. Okowa secured her seat at The Hague on November 12, 2025, after winning a decisive majority in elections held by both the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. She received 106 votes in the General Assembly and 8 in the Security Council, surpassing the required thresholds and signalling strong international support. A Career of Firsts Prof. Okowa is a renowned…

Octagon Africa, a leading regional provider of pension administration, insurance brokerage, actuarial consulting, and trust services, has appointed Davis Ongiro as the new Chief Executive Officer for its Kenyan operations. At just 30 years old, Ongiro’s rise from salesman to CEO reflects Octagon’s commitment to meritocracy, innovation, and developing young African leaders. Leading with Vision and Purpose Ongiro steps into the role with a clear mandate: to drive strategic growth, deepen client relationships, and expand access to affordable retirement solutions for millions of Kenyans. His leadership will focus on transforming how individuals and businesses prepare for retirement, ensuring that every…

A look at oral health reports from Kenya reveals the need for collective action by a wide range of stakeholders. These include the government, private sector, professional associations and communities. If we are to address oral health issues sustainably, these stakeholders need to work together. Mars Wrigley and Kenya’s First Oral Health Survey In 2015, Mars Wrigley Kenya sponsored the country’s first National Oral Health Survey. The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the University of Nairobi, led the study. There was also support from other institutions such as KEMRI and WHO. The survey provided the most comprehensive baseline data…