Jamila Mohamed

Kenya

Muslim. Kenyan. Journalist. Family first. Jamila’s Memo. #NewsGang. The Swahili Voice of @frankiethedino. Spartan Mum. Golden Hawks Mum. Sooners Mum. Gooner!

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Articles

JAMILA’S MEMO: A lesson in power and humility - From Luanda to the Vatican

1 month ago | citizen.digital | Jamila Mohamed

By Jamila Mohamed Published on: April 24, 2025 11:34 (EAT) It’s easy to be swept up in the allure of political power —the titles, the bodyguards, the flashing lights of government convoys. For fiveyears, Caleb Amaswache lived that reality as the Deputy Governor of VihigaCounty, the second most powerful man in county government. Today, he sellsfirewood by the roadside in Luanda Town to make ends meet. When we met him, the contrast between past and presentcouldn’t have been starker.
JAMILA'S MEMO: The price of protecting 'our thief'

1 month ago | citizen.digital | Jamila Mohamed

By Jamila Mohamed Published on: April 17, 2025 11:55 (EAT) There’s a saying in Kenya — local but painfully telling — "Hata kama ni mwizi, ni mwizi wetu." Even if he’s a thief, he’s our thief. How many times have we seen leaders accused of corruption arriving at Integrity Centre accompanied by cheering crowds of supporters? Too many to count. This week was no different.
JAMILA'S MEMO: Forced savings or forced suffering?

1 month ago | citizen.digital | Jamila Mohamed

The government, through Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, has announced plans to introduce a law aimed at encouraging Kenyans to save money — a move meant to address what he calls the country’s "perennially low savings rate." But when news of the minister’s statement hit social media, the reactions were swift — and ranged from disbelief to outright ridicule. Many Kenyans found the idea not only absurd but painfully out of touch with the economic realities facing millions of citizens.
JAMILA’S MEMO: Jobs for loyalty

1 month ago | citizen.digital | Jamila Mohamed

By Jamila Mohamed Published on: April 03, 2025 11:58 (EAT) Recent remarks by a local leader in Central Kenya haveprompted me to reflect on a worrying trend — the apparent barter tradeinvolving the exchange of public sector jobs in exchange for political loyalty. Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Njeri Maina made headlines after speakingin her county following a visit to State House.
JAMILA'S MEMO: No to 'Baba na Mama' orders

1 month ago | citizen.digital | Jamila Mohamed

By Jamila Mohamed Published on: March 27, 2025 11:31 (EAT) My memo tonight is addressed to a public servant whose videoclips made rounds on social media the other day. I found out that the officeris named Thomas Siele and his current job title is Deputy County Commissionerbased in Turkana Central. Now, the context of the video clip is, the governmentofficer was addressing residents of Turkana on the subject of distribution ofrelief food.
JAMILA'S MEMO: Hey leaders, do you listen?

2 months ago | citizen.digital | Jamila Mohamed

By Jamila Mohamed Published on: March 20, 2025 11:51 (EAT) Tonight, my Memo is about listening - kusikiliza. Someone oncesaid that the Almighty gave us two ears and one mouth so that we can listenmore and speak less. It is through listening that we can give an appropriateanswer. It is through keen listening that we can provide solutions. And it isthrough active listening that we can identify problems and find solutions.
JAMILA’S MEMO: Chapati in one million ways

2 months ago | citizen.digital | Jamila Mohamed

Tonight, my Memo is about chapatis andpromises. I know a thing or two about makingchapatis. You need flour, oil, salt, and baking powder. I also know thatkneading the dough properly and letting it rest before rolling it out makes forsofter chapatis. For many of us, growing up, chapatiwas a special occasion meal—aspirational, something to look forward to. Eventoday, not much has changed. Chapatis are still not an everyday meal for mostfamilies.
JAMILA'S MEMO: Toa ndugu, toa dada...

2 months ago | citizen.digital | Jamila Mohamed

By Jamila Mohamed Published on: March 06, 2025 11:53 (EAT) On my Memo, Waswahili husema, kutoa ni moyo, usambe ni utajiri. I remember when I wasgrowing up, we were always taught the importance of giving—kutoa sadaka—beingencouraged to give whatever we have to those in need, as this pleases theAlmighty. And yes, we all know the famous song: "Toa ndugu,toa dadaa, ulicho nacho wewe..."Then there was thesacred rider to giving: it has to be done in secret, as that way, it pleasesthe Almighty.
JAMILA’S MEMO: SHA struggles to deliver as system faces major hurdles

2 months ago | citizen.digital | Jamila Mohamed

By Jamila Mohamed Published on: February 28, 2025 12:16 (EAT) Five months after the roll out ofthe social health insurance scheme, Social Health Authority (SHA), the systemhas faced numerous and constant challenges. These challenges are so bad thatthere are worries that the health financing may ground to a halt. There haveeven been concerns that the transition to SHA was rushed, with the governmentpushing for the roll out before putting in place important transitionalframeworks.
JAMILA’S MEMO: Patriotism in broad terms

Feb 20, 2025 | citizen.digital | Jamila Mohamed

By Jamila Mohamed Published on: February 20, 2025 11:40 (EAT) The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word 'patriotism' as“devotion and vigorous support for one’s country.” In Kiswahili, that is ‘Uzalendo’…kupenda nchi yako. Growing up, I remember reciting the Loyalty Pledge. I stillrecall the words:"I pledge my loyalty to the President and Nation ofKenya, my readiness and duty to defend the flag of our Republic. My devotion tothe words of our national anthem.