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The curtains have fallen on the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), signalling a milestone in Kenya’s transition to a new education curriculum.

2023 KCPE candidates will gradually phase out the 8-4-4 education system when they complete their higher education studies, eight years from now.

Behind them are the pioneers of the 2-6-3-3-3 Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which consists of pre-primary, primary, junior secondary, senior secondary, and higher education.

Photo collage of (from left) Jacob Kaimenyi, Peter Oloo Aringo, and Henry Kosgey

Photo

Law and Power Kenya/Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board/Kosgey Kip

The country is still coming to terms with the particulars of the new system as the Ministry of Education steers the wheels of the CBC ship.

Reminiscing on the old curriculum being gradually phased out, we look at the Ministers of Education who oversaw the 8-4-4 system.

Peter Oloo Aringo - (1986-1989, 1994, 2001)

Peter Oloo was the Minister for Education when the 8-4-4 curriculum was introduced. Aringo proposed bills in the national assembly, which saw Moi, Maseno, and Egerton universities become public institutions. 

He also helped draft a policy to establish institutes of technology in the eight provinces, namely Nairobi, Eastern, Western, Rift Valley, Nyanza, Central, North Eastern, and Coast. Some of the institutes that were established include Rift Valley, Dedan Kimathi, Western, Ramogi, and Coast technical institutes. 

Aringo faced challenges implementing the then-new 8-4-4 system because students were not getting the envisaged technical training.

Few science teachers were graduating from the Kenya Science Teachers’ College, so Aringo fronted the creation of Kenya Technical Trainers’ College (KTTC) to produce more teachers specializing in technical courses.

Kalonzo Musyoka - 1998-2001

In his first year as Minister for Education, Kalonzo Musyoka instituted a commission to review the 8-4-4 system, focusing on its strengths and weaknesses with the aim of strengthening education at the primary and secondary levels. 

Education stakeholders had complained that the relatively new 8-4-4 curriculum was more theoretical than practical and that it had so far failed to solve the unemployment crisis. 

Towards the end of his tenure, Musyoka instituted reforms through the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) that reduced the number of subjects tested from 12 to 9. This was after concerns that students were being overloaded with too many subjects.

Henry Kosgey - 2001-2002

Henry Kosgey helmed the Ministry of Education for a year in a period that was characterized by heightened demands by teachers for salary increments. 

He had previously served for three years as Minister for Science and Technology, which was under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Photo collage of (from left) George Saitoti, Mutula Kilonzo, and Fred Matiang'i

Photo

Wikipedia

George Saitoti - 2003-2007

After Mwai Kibaki won the 2002 presidential election, he appointed George Saitoti to head the education docket in the Cabinet. 

Saitoti was instrumental in implementing the Free Primary Education (FPE) programme, one of the hallmarks of late President Kibaki’s tenure. 

The programme was pegged on children's basic right to education as stipulated by the Constitution. As a result of the programme, enrolment numbers in primary education surged, leading to improved literacy levels in the country. Nevertheless, FPE has faced challenges stemming from underfunding.

Prof. Sam Ongeri - 2008-2012

2008 was Kenya's year of rebuilding as the country reeled from the aftermath of the post-election violence. Sam Ongeri took over the Education Ministry as schools reopened after the tumultuous period. 

The education environment was tough, marked by violent strikes and buildings razed to the ground in schools. By mid-year, almost 300 school strikes had been reported. Ongeri battled to contain the situation, introducing safety and peace manuals into the curriculum.

Tough measures were introduced, including banning mobile phones and removing DVDs and music systems from school buses.

During Ongeri’s tenure, the country promulgated the 2010 Constitution, which, for the first time, guaranteed education as a right in the Bill of Rights. 

Ongeri also raised concerns over the proliferation of sheng in schools, which resulted in learners having a poor grasp of the English and Swahili subjects. He also stopped the practice of holding back academically weak students for a year as their classmates proceeded to the next grade. 

In addition, Ongeri revoked a ban instituted by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), which forced students caught in exam irregularities to wait two years before retaking the exams.

Besides heading the education docket, Ongeri also chaired the Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF).

Hon. Mutula Kilonzo - 2012-2013

Mutula Kilonzo reigned in the Ministry of Education until the end of Kibaki’s presidency. Kilonzo is known for standing up for school girls who asked to be allowed to wear miniskirts. 

Kilonzo urged that there was no need to have the school girls dressed as nuns. As a result, he was at loggerheads with school heads. He, however, had an easygoing demeanour even in times that seemed grim. 

Nevertheless, he was still dedicated to his responsibilities as during his one-year stint at the ministry, he never travelled abroad, choosing to delegate the trips and focus on pushing for education reforms in Parliament.

Kilonzo oversaw the passing of the Basic Education Act, which provided stiff penalties for parents who refused to enrol their children in school. 

He also directed the enactment of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Bill, which, among other reforms, banned teachers from striking during national examinations. In addition, weekend and holiday tuition in primary and secondary schools were banned.

Hon. Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi - 2013-2015

Jacob Kaimenyi had the reputation of a firm and tough-spoken minister of education. During his stint, reforms were instituted in higher education, including procedures for appointing and promoting lecturers. 

Kaimenyi took over the education docket during President Uhuru’s first term in office when the name of ministry heads was changed from ‘minister’ to ‘cabinet secretary’, under provisions in the 2010 Constitution. Cabinet Secretaries were no longer required to be Members of Parliament, so technocrats were fronted to the various ministries. 

Kaimenyi had previously been the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at the University of Nairobi.

In his term, Kaimenyi pushed for the implementation of provisions in the Basic Education Act, facing tough opposition from education stakeholders in the country. 

After he banned the ranking of schools in national examinations, Members of Parliament moved to impeach him. However, he survived and was moved to the Ministry of Lands in a Cabinet reshuffle.

Photo collage of (from left) Sam Ongeri and Ezekiel Machogu

Photo

Wikipedia/Machogu Ezekiel

Hon. Fred Matiang’i - 2016-2018

Like his predecessor, Fred Matiang’i had a no-nonsense approach. He was appointed to head the Education Ministry at a period when irregularities and leakages marred national examinations. 

He is known for reducing incidences of cheating in exams by dismantling education cartels. Immediately after assuming office, Matiang’i sacked officials from KNEC and instituted new security procedures for handling exam papers in a bid to curb irregularities. 

In addition, he banned visiting and prayer days for Form Four students during the third term when national exams were done. He also banned outsiders from visiting schools in the third term.

In a move that irritated school heads, Matiang’i changed the calendar, making the second term longer than it previously was. These quick reforms were met with resistance as more than 100 schools were set ablaze in countrywide strikes. 

Nevertheless, Matiang’i did not relent and was famous for visiting schools unannounced, at times catching absent managers by surprise. He is also known for famously instituting the rule that school buses must be painted yellow.

Amb. Amina Mohamed  - 2018-2019

Amina Mohamed joined the education ministry after her predecessor, Fred Matiang’i, had launched the CBC curriculum. 

She shocked the country when she announced that Kenya was not ready to roll out the new curriculum. Instead, she decided to focus on more piloting to strategize on how the curriculum would be implemented. 

In her brief stint at the ministry, she also directed reforms on teaching periods, castigating schools for straining learners with schedules from as early as 5:30 a.m. to beyond 5 p.m. She directed that classes be held strictly between 8 and 3:30 p.m. 

Amina is also known for condemning corporal punishment as a form of discipline and for urging school management to hold regular discussions with students as a measure for curbing indiscipline and student unrest.

Prof. George Magoha - 2019-2022

Another tough-talker and no-nonsense minister, Magoha was the last cabinet secretary for education during President Uhuru’s tenure. Head a reputation for upholding high standards and valuing integrity. 

He had previously served as head of KNEC between 2016 and 2019, where he helped vanquish education cartels that had flourished exam irregularities. A hands-on manager, Magoha would regularly visit schools for inspection and implementation tours, a habit some termed as micromanagement. 

At one point, he was at loggerheads with the council of the University of Nairobi for trying to usurp their responsibilities.

A chief advocate of the new curriculum, Magoha spearheaded the implementation of the CBC system in 2017, fighting strong opposition from stakeholders. 

Another milestone in his tenure is how he directed the education sector to navigate the pandemic, which saw schools closed for more than a year. In the face of uncertainty, Magoha supervised the reopening of schools and the restructuring of the calendar to compensate for lost time.

Hon. Ezekiel Machogu - 2022-present

Machogu has helmed the Education Ministry for slightly over a year since President William Ruto appointed him. 

Among other implementations, Machogu has so far announced a new grading system for KCSE candidates. In the new system to be applied to this year’s exam, there will be only two mandatory subjects: Mathematics plus one language, either English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language. 

In addition, examiners will have to pick five of the best-performed subjects from each student for grading. Previously, the mandatory subjects were five. This is aimed to increase the number of students qualifying for higher education. 

Machogu has also overseen the writing of the last KCPE in the country, which ended on November 1.

Ministry of Education offices at Jogoo House along Karammbe Avenue in Nairobi County.

Photo

EduMin

With candidates closing in on wrapping up their national examinations, parents are now turning their attention to enjoying quality time with their children.

Most children, naturally look forward to the Christmas festivities after racking their brains for a full term.

In this less strict environment, parents worry about how to keep their young ones engaged in meaningful activities, as they take a break from heavy school work.

Children at a playground

Photo

East African Playgrounds / Play Action International

The proliferation of social media sites and digital content has also left parents at a loss for what their children consume online.

Since a bell and schedule may not suffice in the home setting, parents have devised different ways of engaging their young ones.

Encouraging Activity

The lack of a routine leaves children with nothing but time to explore. 

Left to their own devices, the youngsters can get up to all manner of mischief. 

Thus it is advantageous to incorporate physical activity into their daily schedule. For example, organizing play dates, family hikes, and other physically engaging pursuits that are fun as well as involving.

Besides outdoor activities, children can also have fun inside the house by building forts from pillows and other items and playing board games like Monopoly and Word Puzzle.

Nurturing Hobbies

You can take advantage of the free time to promote your kids’ hobbies. 

If your child is an avid reader, why not take them to the bookshop and get a book or two? 

A study by Cambridge notes that kids who read at least 12 hours weekly have better mental health and record higher cognitive test scores than their counterparts. 

You can even create your own little family book club. The number of hobbies that your children can explore is endless, including, swimming and music lessons, ball games, gardening, cooking, baking, drawing and so many more.  

Smartphone screen

Photo

PickPic

Monitoring Screen Time

Banning technology in your home may end up backfiring, as your young ones, especially teenagers are bound to engage with smartphones and other devices virtually everywhere they go. 

Thus, a more productive approach may be to devise regulations with them, for the use of these devices. 

Your children will most likely appreciate your involving them in the decision. Studies have related constant exposure to smart devices like personal computers and smartphones, with increased stress and anxiety, affecting mental health. Thus, a regulated amount of screen time is advised. 

Holiday Classes

Tuition classes during the long break can help children brush up on subjects they find challenging in school. 

There are teachers who offer tuition lessons in the neighborhood at a fee. 

The classes can also be accessed virtually. Some religious institutions even organize such holiday classes. Regardless of the source, it is important to verify the authenticity of the person offering the lessons to your kids to avoid any untoward eventualities by masqueraders. 

House Chores

Allow your children to help out around the house. You do not want them lazying about all day, with the nanny at their beck and call. A few house chores will instill in them a sense of responsibility and diligence that will be of benefit when they leave the nest. 

After all, you would want them to become responsible adults who can take care of themselves without relying on you for every decision around the house. Be careful when using chores as punishment as this may lead to a negative connotation. Instead, present the chores as a shared responsibility.

Volunteering

The opportunity to serve others can be fulfilling for your kids. 

It also helps them build healthy relationships with their peers while nurturing their collaboration skills. 

Even better, volunteering as a family will set a good example for your child showing them the meaning of being charitable and compassionate. Your local community will most likely have plenty of opportunities for volunteering.

Vacationing

Contrary to popular belief, going on vacation does not have to be an expensive affair. 

You can visit culturally significant places in your locale at pocket-friendly prices. If you live near a lake or large water body, it is fairly affordable to access the beach and enjoy the breeze as you play family games. 

While you are off work, probably on weekends, you can arrange a stroll to the local park and treat yourselves to a fun day out. Museums and zoos are great options too.

An aerial view of the Swahili Beach House Resort, Kenya

TripAdvisor

Everyone dreams of owning their own car. 

The allure of a vehicle lies not only in the convenience it offers in commuting from one place to another but also in the prestige associated with being a car owner. 

The joy of cruising down a highway, feeling the adrenaline rush, is an experience coveted by many.

However, amid the freedom of the road and the comfort of your own vehicle, it's easy to develop habits that, unknowingly, can be detrimental to your car's longevity. These habits, once ingrained in your behaviour as a driver, can shorten the lifespan of your vehicle.

Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at some of these habits, which will serve as a guide to help you ensure your car remains in peak condition for years and serve you for as long as possible.

Resting Your Hand on the Gearstick

Drivers typically rest their gear-changing hand on the gearstick, a habit that often develops after long hours of driving. 

However, what they may not be aware of is that this seemingly harmless habit can have detrimental effects on the gearbox.

Inside your car's gearbox, there are various parts that help you change gears smoothly. 

One of these parts is the gearstick, which you use to shift gears.

Inside the gearbox, there are small components called synchromesh and shift forks. 

These parts work together to make sure your gears change smoothly. But, if you rest your hand on the gearstick, you're putting extra pressure on these parts.

This extra pressure can mess up the smooth process of changing gears. 

So, it is advisable to keep your hands off the gearstick when you're not actively changing gears. 

This will help your car stay in good shape and ensure a smoother ride in the long run.

Gear lever of an automatic transmission

Kenyans.co.ke

Shifting From Reverse to Drive

Switching between reverse and drive in an automatic car is harmful to the transmission. 

The automatic gearbox is meant for shifting gears, not for stopping the car – that's the brakes' functionality. 

If you shift gears before fully stopping, it wears out the transmission band, which is expensive to fix. 

Brake parts are easier and cheaper to replace compared to transmission repairs.

Not Utilising the Handbrake

Improper use of the handbrake places the entire weight of your vehicle on the parking pawl, causing it to wear down significantly.

This wear and tear can interfere with your car's overall functionality, leading to costly repairs. 

As a driver, you must consistently engage the handbrake correctly to distribute the weight evenly and prevent undue stress on the parking pawl.

This will ensure the long-term health of your vehicle.

Applying Full Throttle

Driving with the gas pedal fully pressed can harm your engine. 

It puts a lot of pressure on the engine and transmission, creating heat that can damage oil, seals, and metal parts. 

This damage happens over time and can be costly to fix. 

It's best to avoid driving at full throttle for long periods to keep your engine in good condition and save on repair expenses. 

Downhill Braking

Braking downhill makes your car's brakes wear out quickly due to heat. 

To prevent this, downshift (putting the engine of a vehicle into a lower gear) instead of using brakes excessively. 

Also, drive carefully, avoid sudden stops, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. 

Regularly check brake fluid levels and use quality brake pads. 

A collage of cars stuck in traffic in Nairobi (left) and a car missing some parts (right)

Photo

Oriop Tengecha

One common feature in all refrigerators all over the world is the white interior, which plays a key role in the functionality of home appliances.

Notably, white interiors have been adopted by all manufacturers over the years, especially in the 1950s when many households in Europe were adopting food-preserving technology.

Some manufacturers have also settled on shiny reflective interiors for the interior of deep freezers.

However, despite the differences, the interior plays the same role that entails reflectivity, hygiene and temperature control.

A photo of a woman using a fridge at night.

Photo

Well + Good

Reflectivity

One of the main reasons why fridge interiors are white is because white surfaces are reflective when light hits them.

This comes into play when the fridge is placed in a dark room or during the night.

While all fridges have an inbuilt light that turns on when the door is opened, one can see through all corners and access food as the white interiors reflect the light.

Hygiene

Manufacturers often choose white interiors primarily for hygiene purposes. 

It is easy to spot dirt and food spillage on a white surface as compared to a dark shade surface. This, therefore, makes it easy for an owner to know what sections of the fridge need to be cleaned.

Maintaining hygiene in a fridge is notably important due to the potential risks associated with poor hygiene, such as the threat of bacterial infections. 

Some of the products that can be used in cleaning a fridge include liquid soap and vinegar.

Additionally, white interiors convey an impression of cleanliness, which can be reassuring to customers. 

Temperature control

White surfaces reflect heat rather than darker colours, contrary to black ones. 

Given its function of preserving food items, the interior of the fridge has to be at low temperatures at all times to prevent any bacteria from developing in the food.

Eating infected food can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting, according to health experts. 

"The refrigerator comprises of a thermally protected compartment and a warmth siphon that moves energy from within the chiller to its outside condition so that within the refrigerator is cooled to a temperature beneath the room temperature.

"The lower temperature brings down the generation pace of microorganisms, so the refrigerator lessens the pace of waste. Consequently, a refrigerator keeps up a temperature a couple of degrees over the point of solidification of water," Eco-Fridge, a UK manufacturer company, explained on its website.

A photo of frozen food stored in a fridge.

Bosch

Supermarkets have one important goal, to make money.

While they sell an array of products to consumers, some of them are perishable—for example, groceries, drinks, and other food products.

To ensure that perishable products do not go bad on the shelves, supermarkets run various campaigns to encourage customers to purchase the products.

A photo of a supermarket in Nairobi, Kenya.

Photo

HerBusiness

Prices

Foods closer to their expiration date are usually put on a quickfire sale and their prices are reduced if much of the product is still in stock.

This is necessary because once the products go bad, the supermarkets usually toss them out, leading to losses.

In some instances, slow-moving products may attract discounted prices which is typically geared at clearing stock and salvaging profits.

Stores will often move products near the billing counter or front rows, to give them visibility and entice customers to pick them up off the shelves.

But while consumers scoop the products, how safe are they for consumption?

“Best By,” “Use By” and “Sell By” Dates

Consumers often confuse the meaning of these and other similar terms, using them interchangeably. 

However, there are some notable differences.

According to global food safety organisations, "Best if Used By/Before" denotes the period when a product will be of the best quality or flavor. This does not indicate a purchase or safety date.

“Sell-by” informs the seller how long to display the product for purchase. It also does not denote a safety date.

On the other hand, “Use-by” indicates the last date recommended to consume the product while at peak quality. 

Are Such Products Safe for Human Consumption?

A “use-by” date is related to food safety while a “best-before” date is about the food quality, according to the UK Food Standards Agency.

This means that you should not eat food after the “use-by” date because it could make you ill, regardless of whether it looks good or smells okay.

Since the “best-before” date is about quality, food past such a date is safe for consumption but it may not be of the best quality.

Kenyans.co.ke spoke with nutritionist Lucy Chege who affirmed that caution should be taken concerning foods past the expiration date.

“Best-before" indicates the period of optimum quality, where food may still be safe to eat after this date but might lose flavor or texture,” said Lucy.

“However, "use-by" denotes the date until which food remains safe to consume. In these cases, it's best to tread on the side of caution and discard items past their "use-by" date to avoid health risks,” she continued.

The Sale of ‘Almost-expired’ Products

Based on these definitions, a UK-based retailer, Approved Food, has specialized in selling products that are near or beyond their “best-before” date.

The founder of Approved Food, Dan Cluderay, got into the business when he noted that most retailers find it difficult to sell foods whose dates are past the labeled dates.

The company has over the years advocated for better public education concerning the meaning of these labels, noting that retailers throw away food unnecessarily because consumers do not know how to interpret the labels.

The company maintains that consumers are attracted to their products due to the lower prices.

Thus, while you may pick a product close to the “best-before” date from the supermarket shelf, it is important to store the food properly to ensure safety, regardless of the date.

Maize flour stacked at a supermarket.

Photo

Kilimo News

With the advancement of technology, car manufacturers are finding new ways of providing solutions to drivers who experience different challenges when driving.

As the automobiles market continues to become more cutthroat, various manufacturers are finding new ways to remain competitive including introducing new features.

From steering wheel adjustment knobs to anti-glare rearview mirrors, these functionalities are aimed at ensuring that drivers are comfortable when cruising on the road. They are also geared at preventing road accidents.

However, most motorists do not know of these features exist as they are typically placed in hidden parts of the vehicle.

Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at these features and how they can help you when driving a vehicle.

A photo of a wrench which allows motorists to adjust a steering wheel.

Photo

WapCar

Adjustable Steering Wheels

Most vehicles are designed using the standard height of human beings. However, motorists often desire to adjust the steering wheel to lock in  a more comfortable driving position.

Unknown to many, drivers can adjust their steering wheels using a knob usually located around the steering column - just below the steering wheel.

While some vehicles have knobs, others have a wrench that can be pulled out to allow a driver to adjust the steering wheel.

In most vehicles, the steering wheel can be pulled up - closer to the driver's space.

Some steering wheels can also be lowered or lifted.

Anti-Glare Mirror 

The rear-view mirror is one of the most important components of a vehicle as it helps a driver monitor vehicles behind them.

Notably, during the nighttime, when motorists are driving with headlights on, the driver can easily become distracted especially if they have an eyesight problem.

Therefore, vehicle manufacturers install a black wrench under the rearview mirror which can be used to turn on the antiglare function. The wrench acts like a switch and is turned on by adjusting it forward.

A photo of a rearview mirror with the antiglare knob (circled in red).

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Car and Driver

Motorists are, however, advised to be careful when the antiglare function is on as they may underestimate the distance of the vehicle behind them.

Fuel Tank Indicator

While driving a new vehicle, struggling to determine the position of the fuel tank - whether located on the right or the left is common.

As such, car manufacturers have a fuel tank indicator at the fuel gauge on the dashboard.

However, in Kenya, most vehicles have the fuel tank on the left side. The positioning is informed by the need to protect drivers in case of an accident. 

A photo of a petrol attendant fueling a car on February 2020.

Photo

Ma3Route

Double allocation of land by the lands Ministry is the most common method through which Kenyans lose their land, a new survey has revealed.

The National Crime Research Centre (NCRC), in Baseline Study on Land-Related Crimes and Offences in Kenya report released on Wednesday, showed that over 36.5 per cent cases reported in the past year were due to multiple allocations of land which resulted in confusion over the validity of title deeds.

Per the survey, 484 cases of double allocation were reported in the past year, followed by removal of land beacons with 418 cases, trespassing on private land (411) and forging of land documents (307).

A signpost indicating that the parcel of land is for sale.

Photo

Realtor.com

Other ways used by fraudsters include altering land maps (292 cases), conspiracy to defraud (278), issuance of fake titles (229) and occupying and selling of land without authority (228 cases).

The report further attributes the increase in land-related cases to landowners who are not present.

"From the finding of this study, it is highly likely that the issue of absentee landlords could be in part, the opportunity to the would-be criminals of land-related crimes and offences. It is imperative that land owners be sensitized on routine inspections of their parcel of land for purposes of ascertaining the condition of ownership and also the boundaries beacons," read part of the report.

The report also cited an informant from the National Government Administration in Kisii County, who mentioned that landowners who travel abroad frequently become targets of land-related crimes.

"In this county there have been cases where land owners went abroad and the care taker poses as the land owner thus oversees fraudulent sale of the land. Influential people collude with brokers and land officials to transfer land illegally," he said.

From the findings of the survey, it also emerged that corrupt government officials (NGAOs, land officials, judiciary, ministry of land), land brokers, family members, private surveyors, corrupt advocates and some politicians formed part of the fraudsters who were frequently involved in the crimes.

Cases involving land brokers led with 41.4 per cent, followed by family members (39.7 per cent), neighbours (35. 1 per cent) and corrupt land buying company officials (21.9 per cent).

Others included land developers (12.9 per cent), political leaders (10.2 per cent and corrupt advocates (10.1 per cent).

Entrance of Ardhi House along Ngong Road in Nairobi.

Photo

Ministry of Lands

Despite being land owners, a majority of Kenyans still lack title deeds, which has been cited as a major problem especially at a time when land grabbing cases are on the rise.

According to a report by the National Crime Research Centre, only 37 per cent of land owners in Kenya have title deeds.

The low number is alarming with experts questioning why these section of Kenyans fail to follow up to have their documents processed.

However, the report specifically points out that it is not the land owners' fault, and instead apportioned the blame on the government.

A photo of land under development in Kenya.

Photo

Real Estate Kenya

"Lack of proper legal documents may not entirely be blamed on an individual because registration of title in the land throughout Kenya as per article 67 (2) (c) of the Constitution of Kenya is an obligation of the government," reads part of the report.

The report further points out that some landowners are relying on other forms of documentation to prove ownership such as a written will, lease, share certificate, allotment letter, and sale/purchase agreement.  

Per the report, the  percentage of land owners with the above documents is 2.5 per cent, 1.4 per cent, 19.0 per cent, 11.3 per cent, and 11.4 per cent respectively.

According to the National Lands Commission draft advisory report published in 2018, less than 30 per cent of Kenya's total area is registered.

"Approximately 4.06 million title deeds were registered countrywide accounting for 8,346,081.99 hectares of land registered," reads the report in parts.

The Report of Baseline Survey on Land Related Crimes Kenya recommended that the relevant state departments and agencies expedite the process of land registration and issuance of land ownership documents.

In the report, it was disclosed that most Kenyans acquired land by either through buying or inheritance. Other ownership channels cited in the report include; gifting or payment through leasing.

"The study established that the majority of land owners were locals (70.8 per cent), whereas 29.2 per cent were non-locals who acquired land in the locality," read the report in parts.

Further, the report unearthed a gender imbalance in the control of productive assets such as land, citing that men are highly favoured in developing countries like Kenya in relation to land ownership.

Entrance of Ardhi House along Ngong Road in Nairobi.

Photo

Ministry of Lands

In African society, culture is the heartbeat of our passion. It's our song, our dance, our story. It unites us, fuels our spirits, and paints our lives with vibrant colours.

As Africans, we embrace our culture with passion because it embodies our identity, represents how we have been socialised, and anchors us in rich traditions.

It's a source of pride, resilience, and belonging, inspiring us to preserve, celebrate, and pass down our heritage to the generations yet to come.

Even so, it is instructive to note that African culture is slowly being eroded as black people within the continent increasingly warm up to Western mannerisms.

Although those in rural settings have largely kept the spirit of African culture alive, their counterparts in urban areas have over the years gradually moved away from certain traditions, in favour of a more modern and flashier lifestyle.

However, there are those traditions that wealthy Africans, and more specifically, elite Kenyans have stuck to.

Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at some of them.

Traditional Marriages & Ruracios

Very few traditions embody Kenyan love culture like traditional marriages. 

Ask any Kenyan about ruracio, and their eyes will light up as they describe the event.

One captivating aspect of the tradition involves a blindfolded man, seeking a woman's hand in marriage, identifying his future bride from a group of women, including the lady's relatives.

Ruracios are not merely ceremonies; they are vibrant celebrations, brimming with joy and familial bonds.

This tradition marks the commencement of a promising journey with one's dream partner, signifying the first step toward a bright and harmonious future together.

When its affluent families involved, the event is even more glamorous.

For instance, the family of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi went all out during his daughter Maryanne Mudavadi's traditional wedding held on September 16.

The colourful event was attended by several senior politicians and prominent personalities 

Maryanne was getting married to lawyer Nyaga Karanja in a traditional Kuara Itara wedding ceremony.

The Kuara Itara traditional wedding is a popular custom in the Kikuyu Community and is done to allow the bride's family to see their daughter's nesting place being done at the groom's home.

Photo of Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi and daughter Maryanne Mudavadi with her spouse Nyaga Karanja during her wedding in Vihiga August 2023

Photo

Musalia Mudavadi

Another perfect example of how prominent families go big on traditional marriages is the case of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's eldest son Jomo who wedded the love of his life Fiona Achola on April 8, 2018.

The wedding was so secretive that no photos were allowed.

Before the actual wedding, the two had held a traditional wedding ceremony in 2016 where Achola got a warm reception at Uhuru’s rural home in Ichaweri, Gatundu, Kiambu County.

Achola was formally handed over to the Kenyattas by her mother, Ruth Omamo. 

The event was graced by the presence of her aunt, former Defence Cabinet Secretary Rachelle Omamo.

From the Kenyatta side; Beth Mugo, Kristina Pratt, Nyokabi Muthama, Anna, Pip, and Christine Gakuo also attended. 

Achola was escorted to her new home by her relatives, marking the joyous occasion.

Housewarming

Once a man successfully completes the construction of his home, it is a common tradition in many cultures to celebrate this achievement by hosting a housewarming ceremony. 

In modern-day society, it is customary for guests to bring symbolic gifts such as salt, wine, and bread to the event.

Guests typically feast on food provided by the host, emphasising the community's support and togetherness during such occasions.

One event that captured this perfectly was the housewarming of Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo held on October 13, 2023. in Kilgoris, Narok County. 

Photo of Stephen Letoo and Chemutai Goin during a housewarming party in Narok on October 13, 2023

Photo

kenyans.co.ke

Letoo, fondly referred to his Thanksgiving ceremony as "Letoo Day." 

To mark this momentous occasion, the journalist slaughtered 5 bulls.

Circumcision 

Circumcision by virtue of being a rite of passage is a big deal in traditional African society.

For a parent, nothing quite puts a smile than seeing their son finally become a man and finally take the first step towards fending for themselves.

Take the case of National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei who heaped praises on her son in December 2022, after he successfully underwent this stage of life.

Shollei thanked God for guiding her son through the entire process which usually takes ten days.

"With a heart filled with praise and thanksgiving, I celebrated my son's Korom Arap Shollei coming of age. His journey into manhood is complete," Shollei said in a statement.

Photo of Triki Mask Dancers in Vihiga

Photo

Ministry of Youth Affairs,the Arts and Sports

Chanting for the Dead

The phrase 'lets pay our last respects' is the perfect way to think about why people celebrate the lives of their kin or loved ones after they pass away.

However, people do this differently. Some pray or cry while others invite community members to share good stories about those who have passed away.

One unique way that the Kenyan elite celebrate the deceased is to chant for them.

This is particularly common in the Luo community.

The chant according to Luo elders, is a preserve for fallen greats, including political leaders, coveted industrialists, decorated sportspeople, and religious leaders, among other respected members of the society.

Photo of Raila Odinga attending Professor George Magoha's funeral in January 2023

Photo

Brian Amwai

ODM leader Raila Odinga chose a popular Luo dirge to mourn former president  Daniel Moi at the late Head of State's burial service held at Kabarak University Grounds on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. 

He also honored Kenya's third president, Mwai Kibaki with a chant during the latter's burial ceremony.

Blessing of Elders

Although most Kenyan politicians have taken advantage this tradition for expedience, it is still one of the most cherished among the elite.

Howso?

Rewind to 2012, when Mt Kenya elders held prayers at State House shortly before former President Mwai Kibaki vacated the house on the hill. 

The rationale behind the event was to bless the premises before Kenya's 4th President Uhuru Kenyatta took over.

Both Kibaki and Kenyatta came from the Mt Kenya region. The elders believed that blessing State House was a good omen that would bring good luck to the latter throughout the course of his Presidency.

Photo of Attorney General Justin Muturi During his Coronation

Photo

KNA

Deputy President Gachagua also held a one-of-a-kind blessing ceremony when he took oath of office.

Eldoret-based Kikuyu elders also endorsed President William Ruto as their preferred presidential candidate in the buildup to the 2022 general election.

Praying Facing the Mountain

In his legacy book; Facing Mt. Kenya, Kenya's founding father Jomo Kenyatta intimated that praying while facing Mt Kenya was a sure way of getting what you yearn for and seek.

The Kikuyu thought the light from the mountain was a manifestation of their God’s power, “Utheri” as such, Kenyatta believed that Mt Kenya was sacred.

The same tradition has been carried over for generations.

In January 2023,  Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua trekked to Mt Kenya and prayed while facing the mountain, which he believed would bring an end to the country's drought and set the country on a course towards prosperity. 

Photo of DP Rigathi Gachagua Praying facing Mt. Kenya January 2023

Photo

DPPS

After the prayers, Gachagua revealed that he prayed to God for increased rainfall and a plentiful harvest for Kenyan farmers.

Bullfighting

Bullfighting is a very common tradition in Western Kenya.

The Luhyas believe the tradition promotes peace among communities, distinguishing it from the Spanish corrida de toros where humans confront bulls.

In Kakamega bullfighting, the animals engage in combat instead of people.

Kakamega Senator, Boni Khalwale is a lifelong enthusiast of the tradition and has even adopted the nickname Bull Fighter.

The event also presents an opportunity for the two strongest bulls to showcase their talents and make their owners a tidy sum.

Photo of a Bullfighting match in Kakamega

Photo

DPPS

A fridge is one of the most basic household items you will find in a Kenyan home. The kitchen appliance comes in different sizes and shapes and helps households preserve cooked and uncooked food and cool beverages.

However, there are challenges that come along with owning and using these electrical appliances. 

Some of the common hygienic challenges experienced by people who own fridges over several years include; foul smell, food stains, and dirty fridge door rubbers.

Kenyans.co.ke looks at a few simple ways you can clean your fridge using everyday home products such as tea bags and vinegar.

A collage image of EPRA stickers on refrigerators.

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Smell

Over time, fridges tend to develop a foul smell due to food spoilage, often caused by temporary power outages or existing bacteria within the fridge.

The unpleasant odour is typically noticeable the moment the fridge door is opened. To address this issue, apart from removing spoiled food items, one can effectively eliminate the smell using common cooking ingredients such as used tea bags and baking soda.

For instance, placing used tea bags in a container inside the fridge for three days can absorb the bad odour, leaving the fridge with a fresh scent. 

The tea bags should be replaced every 3 days to maintain the desired effect. Similarly, baking soda can be utilised using the same method, but it needs to be replaced after 24 hours.

Alternatively, soaking a piece of dry cloth in vinegar, placing it on a dish, and keeping it inside the fridge can also help neutralise the foul smell. The cloth can be removed once the unpleasant odor dissipates.

Stains

Fridge interiors, typically white, often get stains due to food spillage, posing a challenge in terms of cleaning.

A practical solution involves using a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and dish soap. 

To employ this method, combine a teaspoon of vinegar with a litre of hot water, adding a few drops of liquid soap. 

Dip a dry cloth into the solution and gently rub it over the stained area. 

For more stubborn stains, a toothbrush can be used to scrub the affected area before drying it thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.

It's crucial to note that during the cleaning process, the fridge must be turned off and disconnected from the power socket to ensure safety and effectiveness.

A photo of frozen food stored in a fridge.

Bosch

Door Rubber Mould/ Dirt

With prolonged use, fridge door rubbers are prone to accumulating dirt and mould, potentially posing health risks.

To address this issue, dipping a piece of cloth in alcohol and using your finger to run the soaked cloth along the rubber can effectively remove the dirt and mould, ensuring a cleaner and safer fridge environment.

Loose Door Rubber

Alternatively, if the door rubber is loose, using a blow dryer can help restore its grip and prevent air from entering the fridge. 

When air seeps inside due to a loose door, it creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth, leading to food spoilage.

Removing Ice

Instead of resorting to a knife to remove ice buildup in the freezer, a practical approach involves placing hot water in a sufuria and closing the freezer door for approximately 30 minutes. 

This method allows the ice to melt away without risking damage to the freezer walls.

Crucially, it's essential to disconnect the fridge from power during any cleaning or maintenance activity to prevent the risk of electrocution, ensuring a safe cleaning experience.

A photo of ice on the walls of a freezer.

Photo

Fred's Appliance