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​Life Conversations is a quarterly public lecture series by the Aga Khan University that provides a platform for public discussions aimed at practical, relevant, and impactful solutions on current societal issues.​


Upcoming Public Forum 

Who is Parenting my Children?

A conversation that will look at the critical influences on children’s values and growth. The discussion will delve into the roles of parents, schools, siblings, religion, the internet, and government in shaping young minds and fostering their development. Join us as we unpack the collective responsibility of these key pillars in nurturing well-rounded, value-driven individuals.

The forum is open to the general public, and will take place in-person at the Aga Khan University and online.

Date: February 27, 2025

Register here to attend the forum in-Person at the Aga Khan University Centre

Register here to join the forum online

Unpacking the Topic of Discussion

  • Parents: How do parents shape children’s character, values, and emotional growth through their behavior and parenting styles?

  • Schools: What role do schools play in teaching ethics, responsibility, and teamwork while fostering mentorship and positive peer interactions?

  • Siblings: How do sibling relationships impact empathy, conflict resolution, and self-esteem in children?

  • Religion and Belief Systems: In what ways do religious or spiritual teachings, practices, and communities influence children’s moral frameworks and sense of accountability?

  • Internet: How does the internet shape children’s perspectives, creativity, and behavior while exposing them to both opportunities and risks?

  • Government and Politics: How do government policies, political decisions, and child protection laws influence children’s growth, education, and opportunities for development?​

​Generations Co​llide

Exploring how different generations - from Baby Boomers to Gen Z - can build a more inclusive and forward-thinking society despite differing world views on key aspects of life.​




The Cost of Healthcare in Kenya

A look at the state of healthcare expenses in Kenya, and practical solutions to make quality care accessible to all.


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Alcoholism in Kenya: The Sober Truth

A candid conversation about alcohol: Responsible drinking, psychological and socio-cultural influences, associated health risks and addiction.​


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Inspiring Today’s Woma​n to Thrive - Career. Home. Community​

Exploring ways in which society can foster an environment for women to flourish and attain harmony.


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Be a Man - Relationships. Sex. Money.

We shed light on the pressing issues men face and and encouraged the free exchange of thoughts and experiences. The forum was part of the Movember annual event which seeks to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide.


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Leadershi​​p for the People – The Contradiction

The public forum explored leadership and its various dimensions, with participants sharing valuable insights into leadership qualities, challenges, and impact in different contexts with the objective of fostering better understanding and engagement between leaders and the people.​


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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Social Media

Experts drawn from the digital media ecosystem share insights on how to positively use social media and navigate the murky side of the social media which includes trolling, addiction and cyberbullying​


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The Sex Lives of Kenyans

The forum looked at the implications of multiple sex partners on the physical, emotional, economic and mental well-being; and was informed by the Kenya Demographic and Healt​h Survey (KDHS) 2022, released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in January which showed that Kenyans have multiple sexual partners.


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A Glimpse of the Life Conversations Sessions​​​

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In the media

We’re watching out for new policies that change lives

It was refreshing to learn from experts that collaboration is one area where health financing can help reduce the cost for all Kenyans. You see, SHIF operates on the principle of the rich paying for the poor, while commercial insurance companies operate on the principle of the healthy paying for the sick. These two operate in silos and the need for collaboration is clear given that there is only a limited number of Kenyans with access to insurance through employers. Well, interesting conversations that tell you the new CS has her work cut out. But perhaps the most interesting discussion was on disease-based capitation by hospitals. Currently, we are spreading our limited expertise in the medical field quite thin.​ Read more

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​Let’s make social media a safe space 
Dr Nancy Booker, Dean, Graduate School of Media and Communications

Social media has also become an essential strategy for building brands by increasing their reach and allowing users to respond to content put up in real time. Many are also ma​king a living from social media with the mushrooming of content creation as a career. This is to be celebrated and supported. Read article


Age-appropriate sex education is necessary for our children!

Maureen Akolo, Public Health Expert, Aga Khan University

While some level of sex education happens in school, parents must also have this conversation at home as they are the source of authority for their children. As parents, let us seize the moment and bring up such discussions tactfully and comfortably as and when the opportunity arises. Let us affirm and reassure our teenagers of our love for them. ​​Read article