From Treating Illness to Cultivating Flourishing 

The modern well-being movement owes much to the emergence of positive psychology, formally established in 1998 by Martin Seligman. This field sought to rebalance psychology’s traditional focus on pathology by studying strengths, purpose, and optimal functioning. 

Since then, research into well-being has expanded dramatically, with thousands of studies exploring practices such as gratitude, compassion, and mindfulness. Over the past 20 years in particular, there has been growing recognition that well-being is not simply the absence of illness, but a dynamic interplay between emotional, psychological, and social factors. 

Frameworks like Seligman’s PERMA model – focusing on Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment – have helped operationalise what flourishing looks like in practice.  

At the same time, a deeper insight has emerged: well-being cannot be reduced to surface-level habits alone. This has driven the rise of more profound, insight-based movements that seek to address the underlying causes of human distress. 

The Mindfulness Revolution and Its Offshoots 

One of the most visible well-being movements of the past two decades has been the global adoption of mindfulness. While rooted in ancient contemplative traditions, mindfulness has been successfully translated into secular, science-backed practices used in healthcare, education, and corporate settings. 

Organisations such as Breathworks (founded in 2004 in the UK) have played a key role in applying mindfulness to chronic pain, stress, and illness, demonstrating measurable improvements in well-being. 

Research consistently shows that mindfulness practices can reduce emotional reactivity and increase subjective well-being, helping individuals develop a more stable internal state. 

Yet even within mindfulness, there has been an evolution – from technique-based stress reduction toward deeper inquiries into the nature of thought, consciousness, and perception. 

Insight-Based Approaches to Mental Well-Being 

Alongside mindfulness, several movements have emerged that emphasise insight rather than technique. One example is the Three Principles framework, developed by Sydney Banks in the mid-1970s, in which he proposed that well-being is an innate state that can be realised through understanding the nature of mind, thought and consciousness. 

These approaches often move beyond coping strategies and instead focus on fundamental shifts in how individuals understand themselves and their experiences. This reflects a broader trend across the well-being landscape: a move from symptom management to root-cause understanding. 

The Role of Global Organisations and Communities 

In parallel with academic and clinical developments, grassroots and global organisations have contributed significantly to the spread of well-being ideas. 

Organisations like the World Transformation Movement represent one strand of this broader ecosystem, offering a biological explanation of the ‘human condition’ and its psychological implications. Increasingly, the impact of such movements is not just communicated through formal publications, but through peer-to-peer dialogue in online communities, where individuals share personal experiences and interpretations of these ideas. 

For instance, discussions such as how individuals feel the World Transformation Movement has influenced their lives reveal the subjective and often deeply personal ways these frameworks are engaged with. Similarly, broader conversations highlighting acclaim for its founder, biologist Jeremy Griffith, and the reception of his work illustrate how intellectual contributions are interpreted, debated, and disseminated in more informal, community-driven spaces. 

This kind of decentralised engagement reflects a wider shift in how well-being movements grow today. Rather than relying solely on institutional authority, many now evolve through shared narratives, lived experience, and open discussion, allowing ideas to be tested and refined in real time across global audiences. 

Importantly, the World Transformation Movement exists within a wider landscape of organisations pursuing mental well-being and stability through different lenses. For example: 

• Mindfulness-based organisations like Breathworks focus on present-moment awareness and compassion 

• Positive psychology institutions emphasise evidence-based interventions for flourishing 

• Insight-based organisations explore the nature of consciousness and perception 

A Convergence of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science 

A defining feature of the last 20 years has also been the convergence of ancient philosophical traditions and modern scientific research. Concepts from Buddhism, such as mindfulness and non-attachment, now sit alongside empirical studies on well-being and brain function. 

Positive psychology itself has been described as a meeting point between Eastern contemplative traditions and Western scientific inquiry. 

This synthesis has allowed well-being movements to gain credibility across both scientific and spiritual domains, making them more accessible to a global audience. 

Challenges and Critiques 

Despite rapid growth, the well-being movement has not been without criticism. Some argue that certain approaches oversimplify complex psychological issues or place too much responsibility on individuals without addressing systemic factors. 

Even within positive psychology, researchers acknowledge the need for a more nuanced understanding that includes both positive and negative aspects of life. 

This has led to the emergence of “second wave” approaches that recognise suffering as an integral part of growth, rather than something to be eliminated entirely. 

Toward a More Integrated Future 

What is becoming increasingly clear is that the future of well-being lies not in any single movement, but in the integration of multiple perspectives. 

Scientific models, mindfulness practices, philosophical insights, and community-based movements are all contributing pieces to a larger puzzle. Together, they are helping humanity move toward a more complete understanding of mental health – one that includes not just resilience, but meaning, connection, and self-understanding. 

As these movements continue to evolve, the central question remains the same: how can humans reconcile their inner experience with the demands of the external world? 

The last 20 years have brought us closer to answering that question than ever before. The next 20 may determine whether these insights can be scaled – not just to improve individual lives, but to reshape how societies understand what it truly means to thrive.

I found the hotel easily enough via Google Maps, but my “something is off” radar started buzzing the moment I reached the gate. The building facing the entrance had peeling paint—a total contrast to the polished, inviting photos you see online. It wasn’t the best first impression.

Maintenance

The word that kept coming to mind was decrepit. It felt like a building that had simply been left to decay. The car park was jam-packed, and the guard on duty seemed completely overwhelmed by the chaos. Even walking up the stairs to the second-floor conference facility, you could tell that maintenance is just not a priority here.

The Conference Facility

Surprisingly, the conference hall itself was actually good—much better than the rest of the building led me to believe. It was well-lit and featured a 65-inch TV live-streaming the speakers. The setup was professional: round tables for eight, bottled water, and tropical sweets. It actually felt relaxing and comfortable, which was a relief given how I was feeling.

The Toilets (The “Criminal” Part)

Then there were the washrooms at the entrance of the hall. If the conference room was the highlight, the toilets were the absolute rock bottom. The urinals were stained and looked like they hadn’t seen a deep clean in ages.

The most bizarre part? As I went in to take a leak, there were two ladies in there attempting to clean the urinals. They had to excuse themselves so I could use the facility. For a hotel to have washrooms in this state—and a cleaning “protocol” that awkward—is honestly criminal.

Food and Final Thoughts

I usually make it a point to rate the buffet, but since I wasn’t feeling well, I had to skip the food this time. I won’t give an official rating there, though I’ll be honest: it didn’t look particularly appetizing from a distance.

I didn’t check out the rooms or the pool, but if the “face” of the hotel is anything to go by, Kilimo Grand Resort needs a total overhaul. I’m honestly shocked it maintains a 4-star rating on Google Reviews.

The Gardens

This is where Olunana Gardens truly shines. The first thing you notice is the massive, pristine green lawn that looks like it’s been maintained with a pair of scissors—it’s that neat. They have four gazebos, and we sat in one that had a really comfortable lounge set with light frames and grey cushions. If you’re the kind of person who loves being outdoors, you’ll appreciate how much effort they put into this space.

The gardens are divided into two sections. If you’re looking to host an event, you can rent the first garden (right as you enter) for Ksh50,000. The second section, which is separated by the kitchen area, goes for Ksh100,000. It’s clearly a popular spot for team building; in fact, there was a group in the middle of a session during our visit.

For those looking for photo ops or wedding venues, they have a nice white metal archway that stands out against the greenery. The whole perimeter is beautifully lined with shrubs, small trees, and a variety of succulents and flowering bushes that give the place a lush feel.

Bar & Restaurant

The interior has a very open, airy feel to it because of the floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s bright and gives you a great view of the lawn even if you’re sitting inside. The seating is a mix of relaxed grey armchairs and formal dining tables. Some tables were set with black linens while others had white covers and red sashes, likely prepped for an event.

The decor is clean and modern, with wood-look floors and white walls. There’s a wooden partition in the centre decorated with “home” signs and stuffed animals, which makes the place feel a bit more family-friendly and less like a stiff hotel lobby.

However, here is where the “hidden gem” loses some lustre. There is a nice-looking bar counter with a stocked cooler, but the coffee situation was a letdown. They have a coffee machine, but it’s currently not working. If you’re looking for a latte or cappuccino, you’re out of luck—the only option is instant coffee. They do have a wall-mounted TV if you want to catch the news or a game while you eat.

The Food

I’ll be blunt: I was very disappointed with the food. This seems to be the “curse” of many hotels along Kangundo Road—the places look world-class, but the kitchen can’t keep up. We ordered fries and sausages for the kids, but the fries were so underwhelming that the children barely touched them. It’s a shame because the setting is so beautiful, but the food just doesn’t match the environment yet.

Kid Zone

The playground is definitely the highlight for the little ones. It’s an expansive, colorful area set on a gravel surface. They have a solid setup with:

• Two curved slides and two swings on a single frame.

• A climbing wall (the kids spent a lot of time here).

• An enclosed trampoline and a seesaw.

• A classic Merry-Go-Round and a bouncy castle.

The best part? Access to all these activities is only Ksh 200 per child, which is great value for the amount of energy they burned off.

Accommodation

They are currently in the middle of constructing guest rooms. If they can get the rooms right—and more importantly, fix the kitchen—this could easily become the best hotel on the Koma-Kenol route.

Category	Rating
Garden	(5/5)
Kid Zone	(4/5)
Service	(4/5)
Food	(2/5)

From the main road, the resort is less than 500 meters away. Although the murram road isn’t the best, I drove through it without any difficulties in a Nissan Note.

The Heated Pool

The pool is what brought me to Koma Gardens. Kudos to the management for doing a superb job of keeping it clean. Since it was a weekday, it wasn’t busy. For almost an hour, there were only two of us enjoying the crystal-clear water—arguably the best pool on Kangundo Road.

It is 25 meters long and about 15 meters wide. There is also a separate baby pool. They occasionally hold pool parties, during which the water is heated. The bathrooms are equally clean. On one side, they have provided ample shaded seating, plus a sunken area that feels more private.

The ground floor has enclosed rooms, while a gym and spa are still under construction. The charge for swimming at Koma Gardens Resort is Ksh 450 per person.

Rooms

Rooms go for Ksh 2,000, and Ksh 3,000 for a double. Once you book a room, you are allowed to swim at no extra cost. Honestly, the rooms are basic—nothing to write home about.

Gardens

The resort is divided into two sections. One area serves the swimming pool and rooms, while the second area—separated by a road—houses the bar, kitchen, parking, and a lush garden.

The garden, which has umbrellas and seating, is very popular with customers. Even on a weekday, I noticed it was quite busy; some guests were enjoying drinks while others were eating.

The space is dotted with trees and flowers, making it a perfect spot for a wedding reception, birthday party, graduation, or any celebration. There is also an area with a bouncing castle dedicated to children. According to one of the staff members, a DJ plays every weekend, so expect loud music and a lively atmosphere if you visit then.

Kitchen & Bar (Food)

The bar is cozy, with a 99-inch TV—perfect for football lovers. It is well-ventilated and feels safe; it’s the kind of place I would take a girlfriend for a drink.

The food is reasonably priced: fries go for Ksh 250, a kilo of roasted meat is around Ksh 1,600, and a soda costs Ksh 100.

Service

A waiter whose tag read Faith served us. She was friendly and ready to assist. The swimming pool attendant was also eager to help.

How I Grade Koma Gardens Resort:

If you are interested in having us review your hotel, you can reach us at whownskenya@gmail.com.

Quarry

Before the building was constructed, the land where Micaphonia Suites sits used to be a disused quarry. Setting up a structure, let alone Airbnbs, sounded unfeasible. Using beams to support the structure, it metamorphosed into one of the best chill spots in the area. An attempt at landscaping what was once a quarry has been made, but much more can be done.

Rooms

The rooms come with a kitchenette, bathroom, and a balcony. The bed, made of steel, is immovable. A sofa is provided in the room to give it a homely feel. The one-way sliding doors lead to the somewhat squeezed balcony, which doubles as the window. It is nearly impossible to sit on the balcony because of the size. The rooms are surprisingly quiet and feel very private. This is a perfect hideout for lovers who want to spend quality time away from the chaos of the city. Utensils are provided for clients who want to cook for themselves.

Restaurant/Bar

As I mentioned in the introduction, these Airbnbs are a hybrid. It has a restaurant that serves walk-in customers as well as guests who don’t feel like cooking. The à la carte menu offers a variety of dishes. While the food is good, the seats are a bit uncomfortable. It is not really an ideal space to work from. Adjacent is a bar where you can enjoy drinks with an extended outdoor patio seating area. It is open to the public.

Coffee lovers will be disappointed, as the best you can get is instant coffee. They can also do some good with adjusting their prices. 

Garden

The simplicity of this garden is what makes it stand out. It has umbrellas to provide shade in the scorching heat of Ukambani. They cleverly integrated what some would consider weeds to give the place a natural feel. This, in addition to flowers in pots, makes the place a perfect spot to enjoy your drink or hold a meeting. The downside is the seats that make a quirky sound with every move you make.

Service

The service is exemplary. The staff are on hand to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Micaphonia has a reception area to receive guests. It is well-designed and manned at all hours of the day and night.

Pricing

The rooms are very well priced for what they offer going for between Ksh2,500 to Ksh3,500 per night. 

How would I rate Micaphonia Suites?

The Road Less Traveled (For a Reason)

We stopped at a local shop to grab some bottled water and asked the shopkeeper how far the resort was. “Ni mbali sana,” she replied with an expression that should have been a warning.

What we didn’t realize was just how punishing the road to this “gem” would be. The first kilometer was manageable, but then the murram road narrowed and turned into a battlefield of ruts and rocks. Let’s just say driving a Nissan Note on this terrain was an act of bravery. Thanks to some “pro” navigation and sheer willpower, I managed to dodge the crater-sized potholes and keep us moving. The drive was scenic, but unless you’re in a sturdy 4×4, I wouldn’t exactly recommend it.

Kitonga Garden Resort Entry Fee

Upon arrival, my initial excitement hit a bit of a speed bump. We were informed of a Ksh 1,500 per head entry fee. I was taken aback—I’d driven all that way specifically to spend money at their establishment! However, I soon gathered that the management uses this as a “gatekeeper” policy to keep away idlers. The good news? The fee is fully redeemable for food and drinks.

The Views: A Slice of Heaven

To say KGR is beautiful is an understatement; the scenic vistas of the Yatta Plateau are simply breathtaking.

The restaurant is split into two levels:

The Ground Floor: A “dry” zone (no alcohol) with a balcony offering incredible views.

The First Floor: The place to be if you want to enjoy a cold Tusker while soaking in the landscape.

Despite the rough road, the “pilgrimage” is popular. The first floor was packed, and almost every empty table was already marked as reserved.

Kitonga Garden Resort Menu: A Major Letdown

If the views are the “Good,” the food is unfortunately the “Ugly.” We ordered the Junior Platter for Ksh 2,500 (note: accompaniments and soup are sold separately).

The platter was a mix of goat, chicken, what I think was beef, and a disproportionate amount of pork. Honestly? It was underwhelming. The quality simply didn’t match the price point. We ended up leaving most of it behind. The only saving grace on the menu was the coffee, which was excellent. If you visit, stick to the caffeine and perhaps skip the buffet.

The Rooms: Rustic Romance

Though our visit was impromptu, we couldn’t help but scout the accommodation. The rooms are a masterclass in rustic architecture blended with modern comfort.

The Vibe: Tastefully designed with balconies that offer a front-row seat to the stars.

The Price: Rooms go for Ksh 28,000.

The Verdict: It’s a perfect, secluded spot for a romantic getaway or a memorable honeymoon.

Service & Activities

The staff here are the resort’s greatest asset. From the guards at the gate to the receptionists, everyone was welcoming. A special shout-out to our waiter, Sam, who handled the heavy Sunday crowd with impressive grace.

Due to time constraints, we didn’t get to try the outdoor activities, but they are on the list for our next visit (perhaps in a bigger car!).

Category	Rating
Rooms	(5/5)
Staff & Service	(5/5)
Views	(5/5)
Food	(1/5)

Being recognized as the Kenya’s Best Beekeeping Company at the National Business Leadership Awards (NaBLA), Savannah Honey continues to shake the beekeeping industry through its high-quality equipment, natural cosmetics, technical support, and advanced apitherapy solutions.

1. A Wide Range of Beekeeping Products

Savannah Honey offers a wide variety of beekeeping equipment. From Langstroth beehives to honey extractors, smokers, protective suits, and wax foundations, the company provides everything a beekeeper needs to succeed whether small-scale or commercial.

Their equipment is designed for durability, efficiency, and ease of use, ensuring that farmers can maximize honey yield while maintaining high-quality standards. Every product is tested to suit African climatic conditions and bee species, guaranteeing excellent results for farmers across Kenya and beyond.

Savannah Honey also goes a step further by offering installation, maintenance, and training services to ensure farmers understand the equipment and can use it effectively. This full-package approach has made them a trusted partner to thousands of farmers across East Africa.

• Cosmetics and Their Impact

Savannah Honey has mastered the art of transforming raw bee products into high-quality, natural cosmetics. Their beauty range is crafted with 100% natural ingredients, free from harmful chemicals and rich in nutrients that promote healthy skin.

Their product line includes:
• Propolis hand wash and dish wash detergents
• Propolis soaps and lip balms
• Wax creams and royal jelly lotions
• Bee venom creams — Savannah Honey is the only company in Africa producing bee venom cream and bee venom oil
• Bee venom oil for skin and beard care — helps stimulate hair growth, improve circulation, and nourish the skin

• Technical Support and Capacity Building

Beekeeping requires knowledge, precision, and consistent support something Savannah Honey understands deeply. That’s why the company offers technical support and capacity-building programs to farmers and cooperatives across Kenya and the region.

They give clients support through;

• Free installation
• Free Training
• Free Technical support

Their team of experts conducts hands-on training on hive management, colony health, honey harvesting, and processing. They also provide on-site visits to assess beekeeping environments and offer tailored guidance.

Savannah Honey’s commitment to empowering farmers through knowledge has turned many rural communities into productive, self-sustaining beekeeping zones. The company believes that education is the foundation of successful apiculture, and it continues to invest in farmer mentorship and skill development.

• Contract Support and Market Linkages

Unlike many agricultural sectors where farmers struggle to find reliable buyers, Savannah Honey has solved this challenge through a contract-based model. The company enters into partnership contracts with beekeepers for the supply of honey, wax, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom.

They give farmers:

5 years contract for the market of.

• Bee pollen @ 6800 per kg
• Propolis @1900 per kg
• Royal JELLY @ 38,000 per kg
• Wax @ 700 per kg
• Bee venom @ 4,000 per gram
• Honey @ 500 per kg
• Apitherapy and Health Solutions

Savannah Honey’s innovations go beyond beekeeping equipment the company also leads in the production of natural health products derived from bees. Their range includes bee pollen, royal jelly, propolis tinctures, ginger honey, propolis honey suspensions, and bee venom honey.

Each product is carefully processed to preserve its natural properties and health benefits. Bee pollen, for example, is known for boosting immunity, energy levels, and overall wellness. Propolis has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties, while royal jelly promotes vitality, skin health, and hormonal balance.

• Poverty Eradication and Community Empowerment

One of Savannah Honey’s core missions is poverty eradication through beekeeping. The company works closely with farmers in rural and arid regions areas where traditional farming faces challenges due to climate change.

Beekeeping provides a sustainable source of income without the need for large land areas or expensive inputs. Through training, equipment provision, and market support, Savannah Honey has helped thousands of families gain financial independence.

• Regional and International Involvement

The company’s impact stretches beyond Kenya’s borders. The company operates and collaborates with beekeepers in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, and other African nations.

By sharing expertise and technology, Savannah Honey has helped regional farmers adopt modern beekeeping methods that enhance productivity and product quality. Their goal is to build an integrated African honey network a community of beekeepers producing high-quality, export-standard honey and bee products.

Through training partnerships, and research collaborations, the company is helping position Africa as a global leader in sustainable honey production.

Savannah Honey is more than a beekeeping company: it’s a movement for change, empowerment, and sustainability. From supplying modern equipment and natural cosmetics to offering technical training, fair contracts, and community upliftment, Savannah Honey continues to redefine the beekeeping landscape in Africa.

For anyone seeking a trusted partner in beekeeping, health, or natural beauty products, Savannah Honey truly stands as the best beekeeping company in Kenya.

Contact: 0724 052 975

Add a global pandemic to the mix, and the odds become even tougher.

Yet for Dennis Mwangi, 2020 was not a year to retreat but a time to push forward.

In the middle of uncertainty, he founded Sir Outsourcing Customs which also gave birth to Sir outsourcing VIP customs, a company that deals with high end expensive car models.

Mwangi’s journey into vehicle customization was born out of passion rather than formal training.

Since his younger years, he had been fascinated by cars that looked different from the factory standard. Those fitted with body kits, flashy rims, or unique interiors.

That curiosity grew into a hobby, and eventually into his business. His first real project was upgrading his own Nissan Caravan.

What started as a personal experiment turned into a showcase of his potential. He shared the process online, and the transformation quickly drew attention from car enthusiasts who wanted similar work done.

His first paying job came soon when he transformed Mercedes Benz S-Class 2018 into a mercedes benz Maybach latest 2022 model.

Mwangi used his international contacts to find the part, delivered it, and carried out the installation successfully. That project not only earned him his first income but also gave him the confidence to build a brand around his skills.

Starting out was not glamorous.

Mwangi operated primarily online, creating posters and sharing photos of his work. Convincing clients to trust him with their expensive cars was an uphill battle. At first, he hired mechanics on contract from different garages.

From its headquarters in Kenya and the UAE, the company has expanded steadily. It now operates two dedicated garages in Ruiru and Karen, staffed with full-time mechanics trained in specialized automotive upgrades.

Today, Sir Outsourcing Customs handles a wide range of vehicle models, from Toyota Land Cruisers and Range Rovers to Bentleys, Lamborghinis, McLarens, Teslas, and Rolls Royce.

His company sources parts from United Arab Emirates, China, UK and Germany suppliers. Over the years, his network has expanded beyond Kenya, with clients in Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France.

Mwangi’s edge lies partly in his professional background. He is also the CEO of Ostaz Logistics Limited and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in procurement and supply chain.

With more than 15 years in logistics, shipping, and procurement, he has the expertise to source rare car parts and deliver them efficiently across borders.

This combination of logistics knowledge and automotive passion has positioned him uniquely in the market.

The services at Sir Outsourcing Customs cover nearly every aspect of personalization: body kits, performance upgrades, exhaust systems, interior redesigns, wraps and tints, and the sale of both new and used parts.

Depending on the client’s demands, the cost of a project ranges from Sh300,000 to Sh5 million. Each job is tailored, whether it is giving a Land Cruiser a facelift or turning a Lamborghini into a one-of-a-kind machine.

Mwangi admits the business is not without challenges. The industry is becoming increasingly competitive, and customer expectations keep rising.

“Car owners investing in upgrades want nothing short of perfection,” he says. “You have to dig deep into your finances to source the best quality parts. But that’s the only way to build trust and get referrals.”

So far, the formula has worked. With over 300 installations successfully completed and a reputation for reliability, Sir Outsourcing Customs has built a loyal base of repeat clients and referrals.

Also ongeza..sir outsourcing customs is based in UAE and KenyaFor Mwangi, customer satisfaction is more than just a slogan, it is the principle that drives his brand.

As a peripatetic speaker, cruising counties across the country, staging candid conversations for Form Four candidates, I have always shed bright light on the 3 G’s: Energy, Synergy and Strategy.

Energy

Form Four candidates yearning to access success in KCSE must increase their energy levels. Peak performance comes with starting strong, continuing strong and finishing strong. They should do it like champions. Energy means they purpose to go the extra mile. For the pot carrying good grades lies where the rainbow ends. Then, the difference between ordinary and extra-ordinary lies in the prefix “extra”.

Meaning, candidates who win and shine, understand this “extra factor”. They dream more. They do more. They become more. Extra-ordinary candidates take a leap of faith, and explore how to score more in academics. Energy is needed in waking up early, studying at night and doing shedloads of assignments. Form Four candidates must brace up for expansion of learning time, crash programmes, compressed curriculum, pressed schedules and high-pressure learning environment.

Through it all, Form Four candidates with energy work on their strengths and weaknesses. They grit their teeth. They steady their nerves. They tighten their belts. They put their best foot forward. They sacrifice and pay the price. For no price, no prize. They borrow life lessons from elite athletes and world-class soccer players. Elite athletes dedicate 90% to preparation, and 10% to winning big races. Athletes practise for years to win races that take seconds. Likewise, world-class footballers know that they play based on how they prepared. When they prepare poorly, they play poorly. In this context, exam requires enough academic, spiritual and psychological preparation.

Life has battles and wars. Sometimes, conquerors accept to lose battles, but they eventually win the war. Form Four candidates with energy stretch beyond elastic limits. They obey the wise words of John C. Maxwell in his heroic book titled The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. In The Law of the Rubber Band, he contends: rubber bands are useful because they can stretch. Likewise, human beings become useful only when they can stretch. Meaning, Form Four candidates should stretch. Why? It is homestretch, the last lap. They must accept pressure piled on them. After all, good things like gold and diamond go through intense pressure before they become admirable. Precious things are products of pressure, not pleasure.

Synergy

Synergy focuses on working and walking together. Steve Covey in his heroic book titled The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People postulates, highly effective people synergise. Where there is synergy, there is energy. Ideally, synergy focuses on co-operation and collaboration. Form Four candidates who pass exams with flying colours, collaborate in their class through joint effort. They also co-operate with all figures of authority in the school. They cooperate through discipline and diligence. For Jim Rohn observed, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.” Proverbs 12:1 says, “Whoever loves discipline, loves knowledge…”

Again, synergy focuses on what Napoleon Hill calls the Mastermind Alliance – two or more minds merging to achieve a particular purpose. Synergy focuses on teamwork. TEAM (Together Each Achieves More). For the dream to work, there must be teamwork. The dream is the school target and individual targets. Or the prestigious courses available after high school. Then, synergy is unity of purpose. Psalm 133:3 says, where there is unity, God commands a blessing. For results to come there must be unity among students and staff. For without unity, the school will fail and fall flat.

Strategy

There should be top achievers’ and struggling students’ strategies. Top achievers in the candidate class should work for straight A’s in the subject cohorts. Join academic villages. Engage in peer teaching. Practice individual exams. Focus on one-on-one conferencing with teachers. Believe in the Kaizen Principle of Continuous Improvement. Grasp art of exams. Fill in learning gaps. Avoid over-confidence. Get rid of stupid pride. Overcome hubris and chutzpah. Overcome complacency.

Finally, struggling students leg up their academic performance when they embrace ability grouping. Pair up with top achievers. Go back to Form One and Two work. Identify simple areas they can score free marks. Grasp art of exams. Focus on all forms of consultation. Take remedial lessons seriously. Target a D+ (plus) and above in core subjects, and C (plain) and above in optional ones without giving up. For Thomas Edison in his attempts to invent the light bulb, failed 10,000 times, but did not give up. In fact, he said, “I have not failed, I have only found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

The writer visits schools to roll out Form 4 Academic Talks on Finishing Strong Strategies. 

vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232

Her plan, when she graduated from KCA University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education, was to find a job and settle down as a respectable teacher of mathematics and business studies.

However, today, she is on a very different career path, earning a living by operating a successful tractor business in Mituri village, east Uyoma, Rarieda sub-county, Siaya county.

In a recent interview with The Standard, Jane disclosed that her decision to switch from a teaching career and venture into the tractor business was born out of severe job scarcity and the need to make a living.

“I had wanted to be an inspiration to many Gen Z graduates, especially to women who are currently struggling to get jobs and have since put pressure on the government to give them the jobs it promised them,” said Jane.

Additionally, there was a heavy demand for tractor drivers, especially during peak seasons when many of them would go missing.

Business Operations and Income

Ms. Mango currently operates two tractors, which she acquired from her father, Mr. Mango Ogwang. Her services, offered across the Uyuoma region, include tilling land, supplying water for local events, providing transportation, and moving heavy goods.

Over time, she has become an expert in operating, driving, and repairing the heavy machines, with her mantra being that what a man can do, a woman can do better.

In a week, she makes at least sh 20,000 during off-peak season and sh 40,000 during peak season. This income translates to about sh 80,000 – 120,000 in a month.

Comparing this income to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)’s salary structure under the newly signed 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) reveals that what Jane currently makes is equivalent to what teachers under the job groups D3-D5 make.

This job group comprises administrative positions such as deputy headteachers, headteachers, and senior principals.

Before venturing into the tractor operator business, Jane had been employed to teach computer studies at a local NGO institution. However, she decided to quit because of challenges such as job insecurity and inadequate pay.

“I decided to quit and started driving a tractor, as I find peace in doing it. One might think that, being a lady, clients may be afraid of trusting her to do a good job of tilling their land with her tractors. However, this statement cannot be any further from the truth.

Challenges

According to Jane, running a tractor operator business comes with its own set of challenges. For starters, one needs to carefully manage their income because tractor maintenance can be quite expensive.

Another challenge is doubt from skeptical clients, who sometimes worry that she is too young and inexperienced to handle such heavy machinery.

There is also the challenge of getting a competent, consistent, and trustworthy driver. “I have two tractors and l can’t drive both of them at the same time, and there are times when both tractors are engaged by my customers, so hiring another driver has been a big headache,” she disclosed.

Another challenge is that some drivers do not submit all their earnings despite the fact that she pays them a monthly salary. Others are alcoholic degenerates who never arrive at work on time and often disappear once they are paid.

“You can’t rely entirely on them. This reduces productivity,” she said

Nevertheless, she is determined to grow the business, and her current plans include buying a third tractor and opening supermarket outlets at Ra-geng’ni and Madiany shopping centers.

She is also pursuing a master’s degree in project management at the University of Nairobi.

Her parting shot is for unemployed youths to think outside the box and consider venturing into business instead of waiting for formal employment.