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Facing Our Giants

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What are you afraid of? What scares you to death? I never knew how challenging transition could be until my sister, with whom I had lived for many years, permanently moved out of Nairobi in November 2015. To better understand this, let me summarize my life journey. I was born in the 80s on the outskirts of the breathtakingly beautiful Mount Kenya in Nanyuki Military Barracks, where my father, Mr. Simon Masana, served as a serviceman in 1 Kenya Rifles, better known as 1KR. My infancy was marked by challenges, as recounted by my mother, Magdilta Khasiala. I fell ill, and she rushed me to M.R.S. Medical Reception Station, where the medics diagnosed me with Anemia and recommended an emergency blood transfusion. Since M.R.S. lacked the facilities for the procedure, I had to be immediately transferred to the Armed Forces Memorial Hospital in Nairobi, now known as Defence Forces Memorial Hospital (DFMH), which was 200 km away. The journey to Nairobi was arduous, especially with an aili...
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Be Fearless Kids Edition

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In July 2016, our church, Mavuno, embarked on a transformative series centered around the theme "Be Fearless," meticulously broken down into four pillars: Grow, Glow, Go, and Give. The essence of being fearless, as aptly described by Urban Dictionary, captures the spirit of strength, a heart of gold, inner and outer beauty, and the resilience to emerge even more graceful and independent after facing life's storms. The first focus, GROW, delves into our personal faith journey and our contribution to the growth of those around us. It's a call to become active participants in the development of ourselves and others into everything God envisions. Moving to the second pillar, GLOW, the emphasis lies in being the light God has destined us to be and making a positive impact on society and the world at large. It's a clarion call to radiate God's light in our individual spheres of influence. The third dimension, GO, resonates with a divine calling to be fearless...
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Kenya Angry Birds

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Courtesy of Angry Birds Website The urgency of addressing the challenges within the Kenyan education system is likened to a wildfire, drawing parallels to the devastating Horse River Fire in Canada in 2016. The consequences of neglecting these issues could be financially catastrophic, reminiscent of the estimated CAN$9 billion in insurance payouts for the rebuilding of communities affected by the Canadian wildfire. This comparison underscores the severity of the situation and the potential costs involved. The discontent among high school students is emphasized as an #Angry lot, with unexpressed frustrations that are yet to be fully acknowledged. The reference to the Angry Birds movie serves as an analogy, highlighting the need to pay attention to the underlying issues rather than dismissing them. The depiction of the Angry Birds movie storyline mirrors the potential consequences of ignoring warning signs, leading to significant disruptions. The call for leadership accountability...
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Fear Factor-KDF Children

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When a soldier dies in a military barracks, people come together to offer support and care to the family. The flag for his unit will be at half-mast; however, the only thing that most people don't pay attention to is the children of the fallen soldier. In the many years I have been in the military camp, I can only recall three funerals, or at least that's what I can remember, but maybe my big brothers and sisters can count more. Children grieve as much as adults do and should also be assisted through the stages of grieving. Dealing with grief is no easy task. As someone who has experienced death and the loss of a sibling, I know firsthand. Loss visits us all in one form or another, and where there is loss, grief is sure to follow. But take it from me—the only way to deal with grief is to really deal with it. One of the most well-known models is "The 5 Stages of Grief," originally developed by the late (and great) Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. The 5 Stages of Grief are...
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In Him we Trust-KDF Memories

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Dear Families of our Brave Heroes in the Kenyan Defence Forces, As the festive season approaches, we want to take a moment to send our warmest Christmas greetings to you, the families of our courageous men and women serving in active combat with the KDF. In this season of joy and togetherness, we want you to know that your sacrifices and the dedication of your loved ones do not go unnoticed. Your family members, our brave soldiers, are serving with honor and commitment to safeguard our nation. We understand the challenges and sacrifices that come with having a loved one in active service, especially during the holiday season. The separation, the worry, and the longing for their presence are felt deeply. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices your family makes for the greater good of our country. Your strength, resilience, and unwavering support contribute immeasurably to the success and well-being of our military personnel. This Christmas, a...
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Strathmore Security Drill Insight

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 Just imagine this: one moment, a school is buzzing with life, and the next, chaos descends—a bomb threat, an active shooter, or a fire. These scenarios highlight why security drills are not just routine—they’re lifelines. But for these drills to truly save lives, they must be rooted in the 5S’s: Safety, Security, Sanitation, Surrounding, and Systems. In 2015, Strathmore University conducted a security drill—a necessary exercise, yet it resulted in the loss of a life and left 31 hospitalized. This tragic outcome reminds us that security drills must be executed with precision and preparation. It’s not enough to practice; we must practice well. Here's how the 5S’s can revolutionize emergency preparedness in schools and other institutions: 1. Safety: Protecting Lives Above All Safety is the foundation of every security drill. The goal is simple—ensure that everyone, from students to staff, knows how to protect themselves during a crisis. Drills like active shooter lockdowns, shelter...
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The Heart of a Soldier, The Wisdom of a Father

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  Just the other day, I found myself deep in a conversation with my dad—a man whose life reads like an epic. He’s a true Kuria warrior at heart, forged in the fires of remarkable stories and unshakable strength. From his days as a skilled runner to his service in the Kenya Army’s Signal Unit, his journey is etched into the core of our family legacy. Growing up, the military was more than just my dad’s career—it was our way of life. From Langata to Nanyuki, Thika to Kahawa, we moved with him, each barracks shaping our family with its own stories of resilience and discipline. And as I sat across from him recently, listening to his reflections on life and service, it dawned on me—his lessons from the barracks weren’t just about soldiering. They were blueprints for life. Fidelity: The Anchor of Trust "Fidelity," he said, "is the mark of a true soldier." My dad’s loyalty to his duty and his family was unyielding. Even when opportunities like United Nations Peacekeeping ...
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