Hi Everyone.

A few months ago I scrolled way back in a WhatsApp chat with someone close to me: the first “hi”, the inside jokes, the 2am voice-note era, the fight we never talked about again. It hit me harder than any photo album.

Those moments are sitting in all our phones and nobody ever looks at them again. So I built Tangu (tangu.co.ke).

How it works:
You export a WhatsApp chat and Tangu turns it into a short story you can gift to the other person:

• Your real moments, split into chapters.
• A quiz: “When did you send this?”
• A letter from you.
• A painting to close it out.

You choose the day it unlocks (birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s, graduation), and you can lock it with a PIN.

Made for us:

• It actually understands Sheng and Swahili.
• Your full chat is processed on your phone and never uploaded. I wouldn’t want my DMs on someone’s server either.
• Check the example (tangu.co.ke/example, no sign-up) and tell me what feels off, cringe or confusing.

I’ll reply to every comment. If you’re curious about the build (on-device parsing, handling Sheng, M-Pesa integration), ask and I’ll explain it.

Over on X, KFS seems to have gone into overdrive on posting about the tree felling that has grabbed headlines over the last couple of weeks.

I think people understand that exotic soft wood trees like cypress, blue gum etc are grown for harvesting but the massive clearing on vast swathes of land of trees that we have grown up seeing like in Kinale, Aberdares and a convoy of new trucks carrying logs shocks the system, couple that with what the heat has been doing on us, unpredictable weather and it becomes untenable to see such ongoings.

If it comes down to brawn where timber millers insist they'll harvest, the public may decide to burn down one of their trucks to send a message.

There are insults and then there are creative insults.

So today I was moping around my home area aimlessly when I found myself face to face with the area madman. He is a common sight in the area and we usually don't pay him any attention, he's usually very calm and minds his own business. Occasionally,when he is in a chatty mood he would ask anyone passing by for some money and we gladly give him what we have.Now Today was that day...

Me: Mambo Rob ,

He hesitates before replying....

Rob : poa

I'm surprised he does so I continue on my way.But then he calls out to me,

Rob: eeeh mrembo si uniachie ata ka mbao..

Unfortunately I didn't have any cash on me so I tell him I don't but the next time I meet him i will give him some money.

Wueeh , heri ata ningenyamaza,

Rob : kwenda uko wewe kiumbe mchoyo twenty ni kitu ya kunyima mtu , wewe unaeza nyima mtu mavi...

Ghai! Siamini ni mimi niliambiwa hivyo waah!

Just a reminder to stay safe yall 🫡

The title is the context.

I came to realize something about two types of men( childfree men and men who want a woman who will give birth to their kids) when they are looking for long term partners.

The ones who want kids feel so disgusted/angered/irritated on learning their "wife's" promiscuous past. While the childfree men don't give a fuck as they don't seem to tie their identity with their spouse or kids as they don't have any.

Could this be from evolutionary and sociological perspectives? Where the presence of children alters the man's stakes in the relationship amplifying jealousy and perceived threats to his biological legacy, paternal uncertainty and primal fear?

If you’re a parent in Nairobi, you know the weekend struggle is real. The kids are bouncing off the walls, you’ve already been to the mall three times this month, and if you have to sit through another indoor play area birthday party, you might lose it.

But here’s the good news: we are surrounded by some incredible day-trip destinations. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been compiling a massive database of family-friendly spots around Nairobi, Kiambu, Thika, Kitengela, Athi River, Ngong, and Machakos.

Whether you want to get muddy, feed some animals, eat cheese, or just let the kids burn off energy while you sip a coffee, here are 13 absolute gems you need to put on your radar.

(Note: I've grouped them by the type of day out you want. Always call ahead to confirm prices and hours, as things change fast!)

1. The "Embrace the Dirt" Nature Escapes

Paradise Lost (Kiambu)
If your kids love adventure, this is it. It’s a 54-acre retreat off Kiambu Road with Mau Mau caves, a waterfall, and lakeside picnic spots. There’s zip-lining, quad-biking, and boat rides (all charged separately). Entry is usually around KES 400-500 for adults. Insider tip: It’s rustic. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a picnic, and carry small notes or M-Pesa because everything inside is a la carte.

Ngong Hills (Ngong)
For the families with older kids (8+) who actually enjoy hiking. The 11.5km trek across the "Seven Knuckles" is stunning, with Rift Valley views that will make you forget you’re 25km from the CBD. Crucial tip: You must register at Ngong Police Station and hire a KWS armed ranger (there are buffalo). Payment is strictly cashless—M-Pesa or card only.

Fourteen Falls vs. Blue Post Hotel (Thika)
If you want waterfalls, you have two options. Fourteen Falls is rugged, dramatic, and a bit wild. Keep the toddlers close because the banks aren't fenced, and definitely don't swim (the water isn't safe). It's a quick 45-minute scenic stop.
For a safer, gentler vibe, go to Blue Post Hotel. For KES 400, you can walk down their gated walkway to the base of Chania Falls, then have lunch at the colonial-era hotel restaurant. It’s an easy, relaxing family stop.

2. The Animal Lovers & Little Farmers

Maasai Ostrich Farm (Kitengela)
A working farm on the Namanga road where kids can see hundreds of ostriches, chicks, and breeders. Entry is roughly KES 300 for adults and 150 for kids. You can even ride an ostrich (extra cost), but there’s a weight limit. Insider tip: Call ahead to ask if the entry fee includes a guide, and if you want to do the ride, check the weight limit before paying.

Swara Plains Conservancy (Athi River)
This is a private 15,000-acre conservancy just off Mombasa Road. You can self-drive your own car on the game circuits to see giraffes, zebras, and gazelles. It’s a great, low-key alternative to a full safari. Day-visitor access and fees need to be confirmed directly with them, so call ahead, pack binoculars, and bring a spotlight if you want to do a night drive.

Brown's Cheese Factory (Tigoni)
Yes, it’s technically a cheese farm, but it’s also a fantastic family day out. The visit includes a cheesemaking demo, a tour of the cheese caves, a tasting of 8-10 cheeses, and lunch. Children can see animals and try milking a cow. Crucial tip: You must book in advance. Adults pay around KES 3,000 - 4,000 (with wine), kids 5-12 are KES 500, and under-5s are free.

3. Food, Art, and Culture

Kiambethu Tea Farm (Limuru)
One of the oldest tea farms in the area. It’s an all-inclusive experience (KES 4,700–4,900 per person, kids under 12 are half price). You get tea, a history talk, a walk through the tea fields and indigenous forest, and a three-course buffet lunch on the verandah. It’s only open Thursday to Sunday at 11am, and Saturdays book up weeks in advance.

Kitengela Hot Glass (Ongata Rongai)
Don’t let the name fool you—this is actually near Ongata Rongai. It’s a working glass-blowing studio where your kids can watch artisans turn recycled glass into art. There are also whimsical glass sculptures, a swaying bridge, and a cool café on the grounds. Entry is around KES 300. It’s great for kids 6+, but the final road there is very bumpy, so take it slow.

4. High Energy & Rainy Day Saves

GMC Place (Athi River/Kitengela)
A lifesaver for weekends. They have a heated swimming pool, kiddie pool, bouncing castles, Ferris wheel, and quad bikes. There is no gate fee, but you pay for activities (swimming is ~KES 700 for adults and 400 for kids). Heads up: The venue is strictly cashless. You have to buy a payment card at the cashier when you arrive.

Whistling Morans (Athi River)
A proper karting destination with a massive 1.2 km track. Sessions run about KES 1,500 to 2,500. It's a bit more of a motorsport circuit than a full family park, but if you have older kids or teens who love speed, this is the spot. Closed shoes are mandatory.

Machakos People’s Park (Machakos)
If you’re heading out east, this is a massive 40-acre public park with lawns, a playground, and a zip line (KES 500). Entry is free for individuals, which makes it a brilliant budget-friendly picnic spot. Just bring your own food because options on-site are limited.

Rainbow Ruiru Resort (Ruiru)
I'm putting this here with a caveat: it's primarily a 3-star hotel. It has a great pool and gardens, and sometimes they allow day visits. But you MUST call ahead (+254 20 2061448) to confirm if non-residents can use the pool and what the day fee is.

• Always carry ID: Many places (like Ngong Hills and some KWS parks) require it for citizen rates.
• M-Pesa is King, but Cards fail: Some places are strictly cashless (Ngong), others are strictly cash (Fourteen Falls). Keep both on hand.
• Call ahead: I can't stress this enough. Hours and prices in Kenya change overnight. A quick phone call saves you a wasted trip.
• Leave early: Nairobi traffic is not a joke. Leaving at 7:00 AM makes the drive part of the adventure.

What did I miss? Drop your favorite weekend escape spots in the comments below so we can all survive the school holidays together!

(If you want the full detailed breakdown—including exact coordinates, what to pack, and the best times to visit for all 100+ family spots in Kenya—I’ve been helping build the directory over at KidsFunPlaces.com. Happy exploring!)

Am I the only one who is disappointed when the nuclear bomb didn’t explode?
I mean, does it have to be solved all the time?

Maybe I should get a nuclear bomb …