Falling in love for most people just happens, not planned or preempted, as it involves unique, solid romantic feelings towards a specific person. While most have succeeded in falling in love, staying in love is where things get complicated, as it requires dedication and effort. When you fall in love, it can either be with someone you know or a complete stranger, either way, while the feeling might be mutual certain factors come into play when it comes to staying in love. These may include their personality, habits, religion, beliefs, character, etc. The fact that one does not choose who they fall in love with is the beauty of the whole thing, as most times, one finds themselves falling for people who are very different from who they are,  confirming the notions of “Opposites attract.” As much as this may be a good thing, these differences often play a part in people not being able to stay in love. In a vast majority of relationships that don’t work out, end up blaming it on a lack of interest or feelings just not being there anymore. It all boils down to the effort and commitment you put into your love to nurture the relationship. Young couple in love Commitment and Effort Having an unwavering dedication to the person you love and the relationship is critical when you want to stay in love even after the honeymoon stages. This means prioritizing the relationship, investing effort and time to maintain its growth, and remaining loyal and faithful to your partner through good and bad times. When both parties involved have a sense of responsibility toward each other’s well-being and happiness, they are willing to work through conflicts, overcome obstacles together, and find compromise rather than give up. It allows for the relationship to thrive and blossom for an extended period. Putting in the work in a relationship entails a lot, from finding proper, healthy, and effective ways of communicating and resolving conflict with each other. Spending quality time together doing the things you both love, appreciating and showing gratitude towards your partner when it comes to the little and big things they do for you, keeping the romance alive any given chance you get as well as maintaining intimacy both physical and emotional. Old couple inlove As much as two people may fall in love with time, change is bound to happen. Emotionalizing it and adapting to new circumstances together play a significant role in staying in love and ensuring that each party grows individually and as a couple. The little things also count, whether it’s just laughing together, goofing around, or doing the most trivial things together, it helps build a friendship with your partner, thus bringing a sense of fulfillment and companionship. Parting shot While falling in love comes naturally, one must realize that staying in love is a choice, and it encompasses putting in work every day and knowing there is no room for giving up on each other, no matter what life throws your way. Staying In love requires a lot of commitment and effort, as love is never enough to make a relationship last for years and years.

If you are on the market to purchase a property, be aware of any defects and observe due diligence. These defects are easier to spot if you know where to look, but challenging if you are a first-time home buyer. A sure way to detect defects is through inspection by an independent property valuer. If a spot check reveals defects in the subject property, look elsewhere. What To Look for and Strike a Good Deal With heavy rains and flooding, you may want something durable to prevent rainwater from entering your home’s interior space. When house shopping, remember that defects that appear negligible may signify problems. Below are some common property defects to be wary of when buying a house: Wall Cracks and Crevices Cracks may let water seep in and cause mold and structural damage. Cracks result from various factors, including weathering or natural wear and tear. A wall with cracks all over it is disastrous. Old house structures Leaking roof Leaks from the roof compromise structural integrity by causing dampness and mold growth. Roofing tiles may slip or break compromising the integrity and durability of other structures such as gutters. If you ignore leaks, the situation may worsen even further, and the damages will be disastrous. Keep an eye on the sealing of any openings or installations. Check their durability and ensure they are in good shape. Leaking roofs let in water that trickles into timber making it favorable for fungi to grow. Be wary of peelings on stumps near ceilings, as this is strong evidence of dry rot. Uneven Roof Surface If the roof surface is uneven or appears out of proportion, there could be an underlying cause. Check whether the house has a strong roofing structure and if anything is pressing down the roof, thus overloading it. You cannot while away pest infestation either, so inspect this possibility. Blocked Gutters Neglect and failure to keep gutters clean and clear of debris lead to blockages that cause overflow and more property damage. Fortunately, blocked guttering problems are easy to fix. However, you may also need to involve professionals who can determine if more serious problems need immediate attention. House structure and location Determine what you need from how you want your house to look like ti where its situated. you dont want to but a house that is not to your liking and may be situated in a not so much condusive environment. In Conclusion a professional inspector will help you identify what you may overlook. They consider various elements including electrical installations, plumbing, chimneys and ventilation. If the defects are minimal, you can arrange to get repairs done by the seller through a written agreement.

The Kenyan diaspora has grown into a key component of the country’s economic strength. Remittances, the financial lifeline brought home by Kenyans living abroad, have eclipsed traditional exports such as coffee and tea to become the primary source of foreign money. In 2023 alone, a phenomenal $4.19 billion (about Sh543 billion) poured into Kenya from its diaspora groups, a 4% increase that is expected to rise even further in 2024. Europe, which is particularly appealing due to its closeness and cultural linkages, has become the second most popular destination for Kenyan expats, after only North America. In Europe, the United Kingdom and Germany are the top destinations for Kenyan employees. These countries, along with Switzerland and Italy, contribute significantly to remittance flows to Kenya. The Kenyan government recognizes the importance of these remittances and has taken steps to increase labor mobility in the skilled sector. kenyan man working as a driver in germany A bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom has allowed 280 Kenyan nurses to seek employment overseas, which has been a success story. Similar agreements are being discussed with eight other European countries, including Germany, Austria, and Ireland. This collaborative effort aims to connect skilled Kenyan workers with job opportunities in the European marketplace. The Kenyan government’s commitment goes beyond signing agreements. Initiatives are undertaken to improve the pre-departure process for migrant workers. Consider the frustration of navigating onerous procedures before beginning a new job abroad. By simplifying this process, the government hopes to reduce stress and speed up the path for Kenyans seeking abroad prospects. Additionally, labor migration desks are being set up at key airports. These dedicated support systems will assure regulatory compliance and provide direction to departing employees, resulting in a smooth transfer and a sense of confidence. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is an important player in monitoring these remittance movements. Their monitoring of the banking system enables them to track the estimated $400 million in funds returned by Kenyans abroad each year. This statistic compares to established sectors such as tea, coffee, horticulture, and tourism, emphasizing the remittance sector’s growing importance. This has sparked significant interest from both the government and business entities. Recognizing the possibilities, technological developments are being investigated to acquire more knowledge of remittance movements. Imagine being able to study data to determine how these financial flows affect various parts of Kenya. This intelligence can then be leveraged to make more efficient investments in the domestic economy, ensuring that the diaspora’s contributions yield the greatest benefit. In short, the Kenyan diaspora has evolved from a source of financial support to a key driver of the country’s economic success. The government’s proactive attitude to encouraging labor mobility, combined with technical improvements to maximize remittance flows, provides a positive picture of the future. As competent Kenyans seek opportunities overseas and transfer their hard-earned money home, Kenya is well-positioned to capitalize on this financial engine for long-term economic growth.

Smartphone use in the bedroom has become common among many Kenyans lately. Frequent technological advancement is a significant attribute of this trend. When you jump into a social media app like TikTok in the middle of the night, Kenyans flock to it for entertainment and video sharing. Have you ever asked yourself why? Affordable internet is a factor leading to increased smartphone use in the bedroom. Most users can easily surf the internet cheaply without breaking their wallets. While it might seem like a great time to be alive, the downside is that it breeds addiction. Most people spend most of their time switching from one app to another, whether for entertainment, education, or communication. Read this article to find out why you should stop carrying your smartphone to the bedroom. Why Carrying Your Smartphone to the Bedroom Is Not an Option 1. Interrupted Sleep Patterns Imagine switching between apps for long hours while in the bedroom. Chances are you will not even think of sleeping; if you do, you’ll find it challenging to start sleeping smoothly. That will ultimately have an impact on your regular sleeping pattern. A solid sleep pattern is admirable in a culture that values sleep and rejuvenation. However, to avoid struggling and adopting a weird sleeping habit, keeping the smartphone away from the bedroom is advisable. 2. It Could Make You Feel Depressed : A lady looking depressed and in deep thoughts Have you noted that sometimes you wake up depressed, yet you go to bed stress-free? The answer could probably be in your smartphone. When going through social media, you might notice that some people are doing better than you. You may also encounter celebrities flaunting their affluent lifestyles. That may make you start stressing about how to be like them. Therefore, it’s ideal to avoid carrying your smartphone to the bedroom to stay healthy. Additionally, research from Baylor University indicates that people who use their smartphones frequently are vulnerable to moodiness and temperamental behaviour. So, you might not be an exception. What Should You Do Instead? To have quality sleep, you should stick to particular hours of using your phone to minimise overexposure to blue lights. Additionally, start reading a physical book instead of carrying your phone just before sleep. You can also set reminders on your phone to alert you that you need to sleep. This way, you will have a healthy and uninterrupted sleep pattern.

The relationship between Kenya and Namibia is more than just diplomatic ties; it is a narrative interwoven with themes of solidarity and a common goal of an economically thriving Africa. This strong relationship was demonstrated by the recent meeting between Namibian Minister Dr. Peya Mushelenga and Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi. They talked about bringing back the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), a structure designed to facilitate cooperation between different industries in 2018. Although there was a brief hiatus due to the epidemic, the JCC midterm review scheduled for later this year in Windhoek represents a firm resolve to rekindle this cooperative engine. This is encouraging for the development of social and economic relations between the two countries. Dr. Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya is keen to benefit from Namibia’s extensive mining industry experience. Kenya wants to use Namibia’s wealth of mineral resources and mining know-how to advance its own mining sector. Furthermore, the sustainable use of marine resources, or the “blue economy,” was identified as a possible area of cooperation. Namibia’s long coastline and Kenya’s well-established maritime experience offer interesting opportunities for cooperative partnerships in aquaculture, fisheries, and marine renewable energy. A woman by the lake holding fish Dr. Mushelenga recognized the crucial role played by Kenya in maintaining regional stability. Kenya’s participation in peacekeeping operations has been instrumental in promoting stability in Africa, and Namibia is eager to learn from its valuable experience. Namibia desires to collaborate with Kenya in areas beyond security and gain knowledge of its agricultural successes in producing tea and coffee, which are two of Kenya’s primary exports. Moreover, Namibia is interested in the advancements made by Kenya in healthcare and information and communication technology (ICT). Collaboration in these areas could bridge the digital divide and significantly improve Namibia’s healthcare system. The opportunity for collaboration goes beyond technical skills. Dr. Mushelenga underlined Namibia’s desire to promote knowledge exchange across universities. This student and teacher mobility would provide a platform for cross-pollination of ideas, stimulating innovation and quickening advancement in a variety of sectors. This meeting between Kenyan and Namibian officials marks an important step toward a more robust and varied collaboration. By strategically combining their capabilities, both countries stand to benefit greatly. Kenya can benefit from Namibia’s experience in mining and the blue economy, and Namibia can learn from Kenya’s expertise in peacekeeping, agriculture, healthcare, and information and communication technology. University collaborations would enhance this trade by developing a generation of talented professionals capable of propelling both countries toward a brighter future. Ultimately, the Kenya-Namibia connection illustrates the importance of solidarity and collaboration in advancing African development. With a renewed emphasis on the JCC and a commitment to information sharing, this collaboration has the potential to generate considerable economic and social advantages for both countries, cementing their roles as essential stakeholders in forging a more affluent Africa.

If you grew up in a Kenyan home, you will agree that many things in terms of design have changed in recent years. Thanks to innovation, even the technology used has changed. If you are building a home today, you will have many options, from how you want your house roof to appear to how you want each room to be. Whether it’s a rental or retirement home, you can now choose an open-plan kitchen or an old-designed one. The fact is that this kitchen design has sparked a debate. Some people who value privacy feel that the open plan design might not favor them. On the other hand, those with a sense of change believe it’s the way to go. This post will help you determine whether the design is worth it in Kenya or is just a normal hype that will die suddenly. Let’s find out What Is an Open-Plan Kitchen?    Open kitchen with a bar Open-plan kitchen design is a unique style that breaks the barrier between rooms. The open layout combines the kitchen with other house sections, like the dining and living rooms. You might think that the open-plan kitchen concept is new. However, it has existed since the 1990s, and people are continually embracing it. It’s unlike the old-fashioned closed kitchen design, where walls separate rooms. Why is Open Plan Kitchen Gaining Popularity in Kenya If you are a typical Kenyan, you will agree that Kenyans love trendy things, and so does the open-plan kitchen concept. The first reason is that an open-plan kitchen makes the space look larger. Incase you are building your house and want to maximise your space, an open kitchen design would be the best thing for you. It also allows for an easy flow of traffic in the house. As with a closed-off plan, you won’t be bumping into each other or walls separating the rooms. If you love light spaces, the open kitchen style is a great deal for you. It allows more natural light into the house. Additionally, an open-plan kitchen design looks modern, thus adding more value to your home. Why Aren’t Some People Embracing Open Plan Kitchens Yet?  Open kitchen with a wood floor As much as the design makes a home look perfect and modern, an open-plan kitchen might not favour your house if your kitchen gets messy frequently. Your family might be fine with the mess in the kitchen. However, it might not be appealing when you have visitors, and the kitchen gets busier. Additionally, open spaces produce noise. That’s because there are no walls to block the sound, and if your family members are all in, there are always a lot of activities going on, thus encouraging sound. Is It Worth It? Apart from the few drawbacks, an open-plan kitchen is an amazing design you might not regret implementing. So, whether you are planning to build a new house or remodel your current one, an open-plan design is an option you should pay attention to.