Editorial / The Journal

The Journal.

Essays, observations, and ideas from The Watcher Above. Earlier writing retains its original dates and links.

The Investor Owns the Logbook. The Streets Own the Business.article
Journal

The Investor Owns the Logbook. The Streets Own the Business.

A few days ago, I read the story of a former matatu owner from Nairobi who described how buying a 14-seater matatu nearly ruined his life. His story was familiar. Corrupt police officers, aggressive stage cartels, dishonest crews, endless repairs, Sacco fees, and sleepless nights. His conclusion was simple: the owner only owns the logbook, […]

Taming the Horns of Conflict: Understanding and Transforming Cattle Rustling in South Sudanarticle
Journal

Taming the Horns of Conflict: Understanding and Transforming Cattle Rustling in South Sudan

For decades, ethnic clashes among South Sudan’s cattle-keeping communities—such as the Dinka, Nuer, and Murle—have claimed countless lives, deepened inter-tribal animosities, and fueled cycles of revenge. In response, the Government of South Sudan (GOSS) and numerous NGOs have launched a variety of interventions: pastoralist education programs, law enforcement campaigns, and conflict mediation initiatives. But are […]

Rethinking Dowry: From Bride Price to Solar Powerarticle
Journal

Rethinking Dowry: From Bride Price to Solar Power

n South Sudan—as in many African societies—marriage is still largely governed by the tradition of dowry, commonly known as bride price. Historically, dowry was a symbolic exchange of gifts between two families, marking not just a union of individuals, but a celebration of goodwill and alliance between clans. In earlier times, the exchange could be […]

The Day the Preacher Shocked the Whole School | Eldoret Storytimearticle
Journal

The Day the Preacher Shocked the Whole School | Eldoret Storytime

In the highlands of Eldoret, where the air is crisp and the mornings bite just enough to remind you it’s time for school assembly, I attended a strict Christian boarding school. The kind where discipline was measured in silence, beans and maize were dinner staples, and Psalm 119:105 was not just our motto — it […]

Editorial illustration; no published artwork yetarticle
Journal

Are Western sports achievements the ultimate indicator of global physical prowess?

“How come most of the world’s strongest men are shown as white?” This question was the spark for a long, thoughtful conversation my friend and I had over the weekend. It all comes down to ego, assumptions, and a narrow view of what constitutes excellence. The Western world’s immense wealth, historical achievements, and territorial expansion […]

Why women fall out of lovearticle
Journal

Why women fall out of love

Women are drawn to excitement, adventure, and a touch of unpredictability—balanced with genuine affection. The moment you become overly predictable, passive, or lose your own sense of purpose, the spark fades and she’ll begin to drift. In fact, if you want someone to lose interest, simply become boring, let yourself be walked over, and abandon […]

Editorial illustration; no published artwork yetarticle
Journal

Who are you?

Introduction The quest for self-understanding has intrigued humanity for centuries. We grapple with questions that transcend the physical realm, seeking to unravel the enigma of our existence. In this contemplative journey, we explore the multifaceted facets of identity. Are You Your Body? Our bodies serve as vessels—temporal abodes that house our consciousness. They bear the […]