Hustle and Scribble

Nairobi was alive with the vibrant sounds of music and laughter that Saturday night. The monthly dance night at a local community center was in full swing, and this time, it was a salsa theme. But for 26-year-old Leila, the idea of stepping onto a dance floor made her palms sweat. She was a single mom to her seven-year-old daughter, Ayana, and had long since traded her party shoes for practical flats.  “Leila, usiogope! Just come and have fun!” Amani, her best friend, had insisted. “You need to get out and shake it off!” “But I can’t dance,” Leila protested, wringing her hands. “I’ll just embarrass myself.” “ That’s the point! It’s not about being perfect; it’s about enjoying yourself. Besides, I’ll be there to catch you when you fall! ” Amani teased, winking. After much convincing, Leila reluctantly agreed. With Ayana spending the night at her aunt’s place, she finally had the freedom to step out. Dressed in a flowy skirt and a cute top, she tried to ignore the butterflies in...

As October ends, I’m stepping into a space where I’m choosing to focus on myself, not as a parent, not as a sister, but simply as me. This decision is something that’s been quietly building within me, and it’s finally time to nurture the parts of myself that I’ve been putting aside for too long. Why now? I realized it was time to make a shift after hitting one of my lowest moments earlier this year. During that time, I had nobody to look up to, and I wasn’t strong enough to carry myself the way I thought I should. In that moment of vulnerability, I felt lost and unsure. Then, a Frimentioned that maybe I should take time just to be me. That conversation stayed with me. It was a nudge I didn’t know I needed—a reminder that it’s okay to focus on myself, to rebuild, and to give myself permission to grow. That was the spark that led me here, to October. It feels like the perfect time to reconnect with who I am at my core, away from the roles I fulfill for others. This is about...

Kenya faces significant challenges from climate change , ranging from prolonged droughts to extreme floods and coastal erosion. These threats endanger critical sectors like agriculture and water resources, which are essential for the country’s livelihoods and economic stability. In response, Kenya has strengthened its commitment to the Paris Agreement by submitting an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2020, with a clear focus on building national climate resilience and fostering a low-carbon economy by 2030. The Government of Kenya’s (GoK) updated NDC demonstrates a commendable shift towards enhanced climate action, particularly in the areas of mitigation, adaptation, and financing. However, while the NDC’s goals are ambitious, gaps remain that need addressing for Kenya to fully meet its targets. This blog reviews the key elements of Kenya’s updated NDC and highlights opportunities for strengthening its climate resilience efforts. Emissions Reduction Targets and ...

Beneath the sun, the children run Laughing, playing in nature's embrace The air is clean, the oceans teem With life below and green space In their eyes, a hope arises For a world yet to be made Where every child realizes Their role in this plan we've laid To nurture the earth, from birth Instill a love for all living things To give back what we take, and make A future where sustainability rings Where equity and care are shared Abundance flows for all to reap Hope is not just a dream but dared From promises, we now must keep So take heart, children yet to be The future we shape is yours to mold With ingenuity and community A brighter tomorrow we can unfold If we but dare to care And steward this planet as one The possibilities out there Are as wide as the rising sun So let us dream, and let us scheme To build the world we wish could be For all our sakes, the future we make Begins with you, begins with me.

Naomi stood on the bridge, the city sprawled beneath her in a haze of dusk. She was at a crossroad, and not the physical kind. It was the moment in life where choices, sacrifices, and everything unspoken weighed heavier than ever. Her job, her family, society—they all had a vision of who she was supposed to be. The perfect daughter, the career-driven woman, always in control. But Naomi didn’t feel like any of those things. Deep inside, there was a quiet rebellion building, a voice that whispered "Who are you when you strip away the roles, the expectations?" She’d ignored it for years. It was easier to drown it out with work, with the constant noise of living for others. The voice, however, had grown louder. Now, it was demanding her attention, pulling her into a confrontation she wasn’t prepared for. The decision to stay in her job—stable, well-paying but soulless—was one of the many that loomed. She wasn’t passionate about it anymore, but leaving? That felt reckless. Yet, ...

In some parallel universe, I’m on a stage, lights glaring down on me like I owe them money, and the crowd—yes, a crowd —hangs on to my every word. What am I doing there? Oh, nothing much, just living my best life as a full-time writer . You know, the kind of writer who crafts epic stories , changes lives, and still somehow has time to drink overpriced coffee in artsy cafes. Meanwhile, in this universe, I’m… well, let’s just say my reality looks a bit different. This alternate life started with a plot twist: I walked away from the “safe” life. You know, the one with the steady paycheck, uninspired job, and soul-crushing predictability. I didn’t just walk—I bolted, with a dramatic flourish, straight back into the arms of my one true love: creative writing . Yep, I ditched the corporate grind to chase words. Risky? Absolutely. But who needs stability when you can have coffee-fueled panic over deadlines? In this version of my life, my days are pure chaos—and I wouldn’t have it any other w...

Leila’s story starts in the dusty outskirts of Nairobi , in a neighborhood where life didn’t hand out favors, especially to girls. Opportunities were slim, dreams even slimmer, and most girls barely made it past primary school before life cornered them into early marriages. But Leila? She wasn’t about to let life call the shots. At 16, her world came to a screeching halt when school fees became a luxury her family couldn’t afford. Dropping out wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. For many, that’s where the story ends. But Leila? She picked up her grandmother’s old beadwork skills, sat under the nearest tree, and started creating. It wasn’t just jewelry; it was a lifeline. Her designs—bright, bold, and unapologetically African—started catching attention. A local women’s group noticed her work and invited her to teach others. That invitation was her spark. She dove in, teaching girls her craft while soaking up every bit of entrepreneurial wisdom she could get from these women. Every coi...

Favor —it’s that something extra, that sweet spot where approval and blessings flow into your life from both God and the people around you. It’s not about luck or chance; favor is intentional. It’s a divine bonus for how you live and connect with others. But how do we step into this space where God’s favor works for us? The Bible gives us a roadmap, and the lives of those who’ve walked in favor offer practical lessons. The thing about favor is that it’s deeply tied to righteousness. Psalm 84:11 spells it out: “The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”  This verse is crystal clear—favor isn’t just handed out randomly. It’s a response to how you live. When your actions align with what’s right, you create space for blessings to flow. Throughout the Bible, we see favor show up in powerful ways, often changing the course of history. Take Mary , for instance. When the angel Gabriel tells her, ...

Biogas , derived from the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as animal manure , agricultural residues, and municipal waste, offers a sustainable energy solution that can be used for electricity generation, heating, and cooking. While biogas energy production in Kenya is still in its infancy, the potential to become a cornerstone of the country's energy mix is evident, especially in rural areas. Here, biogas is increasingly used to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources like firewood and charcoal, thus providing cleaner alternatives for cooking and small-scale electricity generation. Kenya's government has recognized this potential and taken significant steps to promote biogas as part of the country's renewable energy strategy. In 2013, the Kenya Biogas Programme was launched, offering subsidies to farmers and entrepreneurs for the installation of biogas plants. With over 20,000 biogas systems already operational, the total biogas production capacity is e...

So, here’s how it all started: the first time we kissed, it was after work. In the car. Right before he dropped me off at my place. It was one of those moments that felt both thrilling and terrifying, like a mix of excitement and guilt, all wrapped up in one. I knew he was married—no way I could pretend otherwise—but by that point, I’d already convinced myself that whatever this was, it was worth ignoring the obvious. Our connection? Too strong to ignore. My mind? A ping-pong game between feeling guilty and chasing the rush of doing something we knew we absolutely shouldn’t. That first kiss? Yeah, it wasn’t just a kiss. It was the beginning of a routine that was about to get way too familiar. We carpooled together almost every day. Just us. The drive to and from the site was our safe space. It was simple. Comfortable. Like the world could just disappear when we were in that car, talking and laughing like we were the only two people alive. Then one afternoon, after a long day in Embakas...

Jessica Simpson ’s Open Book  is like the chat you didn’t know you needed. It is a wild, emotional ride that feels like sitting down with a close friend who’s finally ready to spill the tea on everything . And I mean everything,  from the glittery highs of fame to the messy, not-so-glamorous moments behind the scenes. It’s not just about the pop star on MTV’s Newlyweds ; it’s about Jessica, the person, flawed, funny, and figuring it out just like the rest of us From Small-Town Girl to Pop Culture Icon (and Back Again) The book starts with Jessica’s childhood dreams: little girl, big voice, big ambitions. Then, boom, fame hits. She’s living her dream, but as we all know, life in the spotlight comes with strings . Jessica opens up about the pressure cooker that is Hollywood: the impossible beauty standards, the public scrutiny, and how it all chipped away at her sense of self. Reading this part of her story hit me differently because it’s not just about celebrity culture; it’s a...

Ever stopped to think about how much power those little things we call words actually have? The Bible has a lot to say about it, and it’s kind of a big deal. Our words can build people up or tear them down, create peace or stir up drama. It’s like having a weapon that can either save the day or blow it all up in one sentence. So, what are we doing with this power? Let’s kick things off with Proverbs 18:21 , which says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Pause for a second and let that sink in. A word can change everything. Like, it’s not just some flowery speech, words have consequences. Speak life, and you get the good stuff, kindness, encouragement, truth. But let your words run wild with bitterness, and they can destroy relationships, reputations, and even your own peace of mind. That little tongue of yours can build a garden or start a wildfire. Choose wisely. In the New Testament, James takes this to a whole new level. In James...

Jane the Virgin is a chaotic, feel-good rollercoaster of a show that somehow makes artificial insemination , family drama, and life as a single mom feel both wildly entertaining and ridiculously relatable. For me, as a single mom navigating my own mix of life’s curveballs , watching Jane’s journey felt like getting a big, understanding hug—and maybe a gentle nudge to laugh at life’s absurdities more often. The Accidental Mom Life Picture this: Jane Villanueva —a fiercely ambitious, hopelessly romantic, very organized woman—is accidentally artificially inseminated during what should have been a routine check-up. (Yes, you read that right.) Cue chaos. What unfolds is an incredible mix of drama, heartfelt moments, and over-the-top telenovela -worthy plot twists, all anchored by Jane’s humanity. Watching Jane try to balance her unexpected pregnancy, budding writing career , and, oh yeah, a love triangle (because of course there’s a love triangle), felt almost too real at times. The cons...

The Color Purple by Alice Walker isn’t just a book—it’s an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in powerful storytelling that makes you laugh, cry, and reevaluate life all at once. Published in 1982 and set in the early 20th century, it dives deep into the lives of African American women navigating trauma, identity, and self-worth. It’s the kind of read that punches you in the gut and then hugs you afterward, reminding you that even in the darkest moments, there’s room for growth and healing. Celie: A Journey from Silence to Strength Meet Celie , the protagonist who starts her journey as a teenage girl grappling with abuse, isolation, and all the soul-crushing horrors life can throw at someone. She begins writing letters to God , spilling her pain and confusion onto the page because, honestly, who else is listening? These letters—raw, unfiltered, and heartbreakingly honest—are where you first connect with Celie’s voice. Through her eyes, you witness her evolution from a quiet, powerless ...

Nairobi dating is wild. You meet a guy, he seems cool, you chat for a few days, maybe even go on a date or two, and then suddenly, poof he’s gone. Like he was a figment of your imagination.  That’s exactly what happened with me and Kevin. We met at a mutual friend’s birthday party. It was a chill, low-key event. I wasn’t even looking for anyone; I was just there for the free food, honestly. But Kevin, with his easy smile and surprisingly decent dance moves, struck up a conversation. We talked for hours about everything from the current state of Nairobi traffic to how he thinks ugali na sukuma is an underrated meal. I liked that he didn’t try too hard. He wasn’t the type to brag about his job or where he lived (which I later found out was Rongai —tough commute, but hey, he made it work). After the party, we exchanged numbers, and he sent me a text as soon as I got home. For the next few weeks, we texted constantly. He’d send me good morning messages, memes, and random stuff about...

I know it's been a few years since I did this, and the world has changed a lot since then. But I wanted to take a moment to remind you of a few things that I believe are still important. Remember that you are strong. You've faced challenges before, and you will face them again. But you have the resilience to overcome whatever comes your way. Cherish the good times. Life is full of ups and downs, but it's important to appreciate the good moments. Take time to enjoy the little things, and don't let the challenges of the day overshadow the beauty of life. Never give up on your dreams. No matter how difficult things get, keep striving for what you want. You may not always achieve your goals, but the journey is just as important as the destination. Surround yourself with positive people who love and support you. Life is too short to spend time with people who bring you down. Take care of yourself. Your physical and mental health are important. Make sure you're gettin...

Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi is the kind of book that grabs you by the collar, shakes you, and demands your attention. It’s raw, unsettling, and uncomfortably honest—a gut-punch of a novella that refuses to let you look away from the grim reality of women’s lives in patriarchal societies . Originally written in Arabic in 1975, this masterpiece gives us Firdaus : a woman whose story is as devastating as it is empowering. When we meet her, she’s on death row , accused of murder, and unapologetically owning every bit of it. What follows is a recounting of her life to a psychiatrist (who’s basically there to understand why Firdaus doesn’t seem to care about dying). Spoiler alert: Firdaus’s indifference to death will make way too much sense once you’ve walked through her story. The Unfiltered Ugly Truth Firdaus’s life is a relentless chain of exploitation, starting with her abusive father and snowballing into worse with every male figure she encounters. Men use her, control h...