When I first read the headline, “Changing Governments Is Not, In Itself, A Solution To Poverty,” at Lusaka Times, I assumed it was mere satire. It wasn’t. It came from Leslie Chikuse, the self-styled president of the Republican Progressive Party, agreeing with Vice President Mutale Nalumango’s remarks at the Regional Poverty Reduction and Climate Resilience Conference.

I have spent my academic life studying the intersections of governance, corruption, and climate justice. In “God’s Family, God’s Earth,” I argue that corruption isn’t a marginal concern—it’s the systemic rot at the heart of both poverty and ecological collapse. This isn’t abstract theory. It’s a lived Zambian reality, where poverty and environmental degradation are not parallel crises but interconnected.

Take charcoal burning, for example. One cannot discuss its environmental toll without engaging the economic plight of those who rely on it. The rural poor cut and sell; the urban poor buy and cook. Meanwhile, load shedding drives demand. This vicious cycle is not just ecological—it is political. You cannot solve Zambia’s climate vulnerabilities without addressing the poverty that makes them inescapable.

Which brings me to the center of the Vice President’s misleading claim. Poverty is not apolitical. To pretend otherwise is to insult both scholarship and lived experience. Throughout history, political leadership and poverty have been entangled. Governance either disrupts poverty or entrenches it. Here, who governs matters. In this case, poverty eradication (not just reduction) is not ideologically neutral. It is shaped by policy—and policy is shaped by power.

Consider President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to open the Lower Zambezi to mining. This was not a technocratic decision; it was political. The ecological and social repercussions will be felt for generations. Ask the people of the Gwembe Valley. They are still living with the anthropological insults of the late 1950s when the Kariba Dam was built.

Poverty is about fairness, too. Why are marketeers—overwhelmingly poor women—subject to daily local government taxes, while elite traders in emeralds, gold, and other precious stones enjoy tax holidays? Why do foreign investors receive generous incentives that local businesses are denied? And why do our politicians get “tax-free this and that”? These are not economic accidents; they are deliberate political choices. They expose whose interests the government protects, and whose it abandons.

So yes, political transitions matter. Governments campaign on concrete promises to fix roads, create jobs, and end poverty. If changing leadership had no bearing on poverty, why hold elections? Leadership change alone won’t fix everything—but it is the first step to ending poverty.

I feel for the Vice President’s bind. With 2026 approaching, perhaps she’s managing expectations. But in doing so, she alerts us to the problem. If we continue treating politics as a popularity contest, changing parties will not change outcomes.

I believe Zambia doesn’t just need a new president. We need a new political culture. We must dismantle the ‘ngatwesheko” mindset—the dangerous belief that anyone deserves the presidency simply because it’s “their turn.” You wouldn’t hand the car keys to someone blindfolded, no matter how many times you change the driver. Visionless leadership, no matter how often rotated, will only reproduce failure.

So let us be vigilant. Ask the hard questions. Demand concrete plans. If a candidate cannot clearly articulate a strategy during their campaign, what makes us think they will lead effectively once in office?

Is BaShiPromise Hichilema, alongside BaNaPromise Nalumango, not already proof of the cost of vague rhetoric over visionary leadership?

It is time to stop gambling with our national future. Poverty is not simply a developmental challenge—it is a failure of leadership. Unless we confront it head-on, the slogans may change, but our Poverty will not.
Kapya Kaoma

By Kapya Kaoma

Recently, I’ve been struggling with what should be a straightforward question. Is the UPND government building a new dual carriageway between Lusaka and Ndola, or are they simply adding two more lanes to an existing road?

This is not a question of grammar or semantics. It is an important question we must answer as it relates to the politics of infrastructure in the nation. In construction, the difference between building something new and extending something old is not just technical, it’s financial and political. If I add two rooms to my house, I don’t claim to have built a brand-new house. Why, then, is the government selling an extension as a groundbreaking achievement?

From the beginning, the Lusaka–Ndola road project has been riddled with contradictions. Construction progress has appeared sporadic and uncoordinated. It only made sense when we learned — astonishingly — that the project had no lead engineer until late last year.

In any serious infrastructure project, that would be a red flag. But here, it was spun as a non-issue. We were told the workers on-site were “all engineers,” so there was no need for a supervising one. That statement is either technically crazy or deliberately misleading. Having people with engineering degrees on-site is not a substitute for qualified project leadership. It’s like having trained doctors in a hospital with no head surgeon or no plan.

The truth may be simpler — and more politically inconvenient. This project is not a completely new road. The additional lanes follow the exact path of the old road, which means this is not a greenfield development. There are no significant route realignments, flyovers, or alternative bypasses. No massive new bridges. No extensive drainage systems being redesigned. What we’re seeing is an expansion, not a reconstruction. A duplication, not a reimagination.

In engineering terms, this distinction is crucial. When you construct a new road, you invest in fresh geotechnical surveys, environmental assessments, and new civil and structural designs. That comes with high costs — and high expectations. But when you extend an old road using pre-existing plans, the complexity (and cost) drops significantly. So, if this is an expansion, then why was the price tag of the initial PF project so heavily criticized? And what are we really paying for given the corruption associated with this administration? The answer lies in politics.

The PF administration, for all its flaws, invested heavily in physical infrastructure. Lusaka saw massive road projects, flyovers, and bypasses — actual engineering works that reshaped how the city functions. Of course, critics rightly questioned the costs and debt burdens. But the work was visible, transformative. The UPND, on the other hand, came into power promising fiscal prudence and transparency. They needed to appear responsible — both economically and politically — while still delivering big-ticket infrastructure to please voters and donors.

So what did they do? They rebranded an extension project as a “new” road. No need for fresh designs. No need to re-engineer drainage. Just follow the old alignment, build two extra lanes, and declare victory. It’s politically safe — no ballooning costs, no groundbreaking risks. But it’s also intellectually dishonest.

Worse still, we risk ending up with a half-baked project. If the old lanes aren’t fully rehabilitated, we may find ourselves with one side of the carriageway crumbling while the other is just breaking in. It’s déjà vu — the same old road, now with twice the lanes and none of the structural reform.

And yet the public narrative remains confused. Most Zambians still believe we’re getting a brand-new dual carriageway. They see the headlines, the ribbon cuttings, the presidential tweets — and assume progress is being made. But as any builder or engineer will tell you, adding two lanes to a tired road without reworking its foundation is a short-term fix. Not a national milestone.

In the end, this isn’t just about tar and gravel — it’s about truth in governance. Infrastructure should not be a tool for political illusion. If we’re simply extending a road, then say so. If we’re repurposing old plans to save money, then own it. But don’t dress up a maintenance project as a generational transformation.

This road may get us to Ndola, but politically, we’re still stuck in a loop — repackaging old promises with a new spin.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is widely known for its stimulating, pain-relieving, and mood-enhancing effects. But can it also support weight loss? Some users report reduced appetite and increased energy, leading to speculation about its role in weight management.

While kratom is not a traditional weight loss supplement, it may indirectly help by suppressing appetite, boosting energy, and improving mood and motivation. For those struggling with emotional eating, fatigue, or lack of focus, kratom could be a useful tool in maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

This guide explores how kratom may contribute to weight loss, the best strains for appetite control, and how to use it effectively.

How Kratom May Support Weight Loss

Kratom’s impact on weight loss comes down to four key factors: appetite suppression, increased energy, mood enhancement, and improved focus.

Appetite Suppression

Many users notice a decrease in appetite, leading to lower calorie intake throughout the day. This effect can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with overeating or snacking between meals.

Increased Energy and Metabolism

Certain kratom strains, especially White and Green veins, provide a natural energy boost. This increased stamina makes it easier to stay active, whether through workouts or daily movement. A higher energy output can naturally support fat burning and weight management over time.

Mood Enhancement and Emotional Eating Control

Kratom influences dopamine and serotonin levels, which help regulate mood and stress levels. People who experience stress-related cravings or emotional eating may find that kratom helps them feel more balanced and in control, reducing the urge to snack impulsively.

Improved Focus and Motivation

Lack of motivation can derail even the best weight loss efforts. Many kratom users report feeling more focused and driven, making it easier to stick to a workout routine or maintain a healthy diet. The added mental clarity may also help with making better food choices.

Best Kratom Strains for Weight Loss

Not all kratom strains work the same way. Some are highly stimulating, while others promote relaxation. Choosing the right strain depends on individual needs and how kratom fits into a weight loss plan.

White Vein Kratom (Best for Energy and Focus)

If the goal is to boost energy and increase motivation, White vein kratom is the best choice. White Maeng Da is one of the strongest, providing a powerful energy boost and increased endurance, making it great for pre-workout use.

White Thai is another solid option, offering long-lasting focus and motivation, perfect for those needing a mental and physical lift.

Green Vein Kratom (Balanced Energy and Appetite Suppression)

For a milder, more balanced approach, Green vein kratom provides both stimulation and relaxation. Green Malay is known for its sustained energy boost with mild appetite suppression, making it a great all-day option.

Green Maeng Da offers a stronger mix of stimulation and relaxation, reducing stress-induced cravings while keeping energy levels high. Red Vein Kratom (Best for Stress and Emotional Eating Control)

If stress and emotional eating are the biggest obstacles, Red vein kratom may help. Red Bali kratom is popular for promoting relaxation and reducing binge-eating tendencies. For those who struggle with anxiety-driven cravings, Red Borneo helps stabilize mood and decrease stress-related hunger.

How to Use Kratom for Weight Loss

Using kratom effectively means choosing the right dose, timing, and consumption method.

Recommended Dosage for Appetite Suppression

The effects of kratom vary depending on the amount consumed. Lower doses tend to be stimulating, while higher doses lead to sedation, which may reduce cravings but can also cause drowsiness.

A low dose (1-3 grams) is ideal for boosting energy and focus. A moderate dose (3-5 grams) provides a balance between stimulation and appetite control. Higher doses above 5 grams may help with stress eating but could lead to fatigue, making them less ideal for daytime use.

Best Times to Take Kratom

Taking kratom in the morning or before workouts can enhance energy and motivation, helping users stay active throughout the day. Consuming kratom pills, extracts or powders before meals may assist with appetite suppression, making it easier to control portion sizes.

Consumption Methods

How kratom is consumed affects how quickly it takes effect and how strong it feels. The toss and wash method is the fastest, delivering effects in 15-30 minutes. Kratom tea is gentler on digestion while still working efficiently. Capsules offer convenience, but take longer to kick in due to the time needed for digestion. Kratom shots and kratom extracts typically deliver the fastest results.

By selecting the right strain, dosage, and consumption method, kratom can be a helpful tool in a weight management routine. However, it’s important to use kratom responsibly and pair it with a healthy diet and active lifestyle for the best results.

Scientific Perspective: Does Kratom Really Promote Weight Loss?

While scientific evidence is limited, anecdotal reports from users consistently mention reduced appetite, increased motivation, and enhanced physical activity when taking certain kratom strains. Many claim that White and Green vein strains help them stay more active and focused, indirectly contributing to weight management.

However, without clinical trials, kratom’s role in metabolism regulation and long-term weight loss effects remains uncertain. More research is needed to determine whether kratom can be considered a reliable weight management tool beyond user experiences.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Using Kratom for Weight Loss

While kratom may support energy levels and appetite control, using it specifically for weight loss comes with certain risks.

• Dehydration: Kratom has mild diuretic effects, meaning it may lead to increased fluid loss. Without proper hydration, users may experience dry mouth, dizziness, or fatigue.

• Loss of Appetite and Nutritional Deficiencies: Since kratom can suppress hunger, long-term use without proper nutritional intake could lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.

• Increased Tolerance: Frequent kratom use may lead to tolerance buildup, reducing its effectiveness over time. This can lead to higher doses being required to achieve the same appetite-suppressing effects.

• Digestive Issues: Some users report nausea, constipation, or stomach discomfort when taking kratom, especially in high doses. These side effects may impact digestion and overall well-being.

To minimize risks, it’s best to rotate strains regularly to prevent tolerance buildup. Kratom should be used in moderation and alongside a balanced diet to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Taking occasional breaks can help prevent dependency and ensure long-term safety.

Comparing Kratom to Other Weight Loss Supplements

Kratom is not the only natural supplement that people use for energy and appetite suppression. Here’s how it compares to other common weight loss aids:

Kratom vs. Caffeine

Both kratom and caffeine boost energy and focus, but caffeine often causes jitters, crashes, and increased heart rate. Kratom provides a smoother, more controlled energy boost without the same level of overstimulation.

Kratom vs. Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants and supports metabolism by increasing fat oxidation. However, it does not influence mood and appetite suppression in the same way kratom does.

Kratom vs. Prescription Weight Loss Medications

Prescription weight loss drugs undergo clinical testing and are FDA-approved but often come with stronger side effects such as nausea, anxiety, or heart complications. Kratom, while natural, lacks official approval and long-term safety data, making it a more experimental option.

Is Kratom a Safe and Effective Weight Loss Aid?

Kratom is not a magic weight loss pill, but it may be a helpful tool when combined with a healthy lifestyle. It works best when used alongside proper diet, hydration, and regular exercise rather than as a standalone weight loss solution.

Since its long-term effects are still unclear, responsible use is essential. Those considering kratom for weight management should start with low doses, avoid excessive use, and monitor their body’s response.

For individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or concerns about kratom’s effects, consulting a healthcare professional before use is highly recommended.

References:

1. Striley CW, Hoeflich CC, Viegas AT, Berkowitz LA, Matthews EG, Akin LP, Iheanyi-Okeahialam C, Mansoor U, McCurdy CR. Health Effects Associated With Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and Polysubstance Use: A Narrative Review. Subst Abuse. 2022 May 20;16:11782218221095873. doi: 10.1177/11782218221095873. PMID: 35645563; PMCID: PMC9130800.

2. Vicknasingam B, Chooi WT, Rahim AA, Ramachandram D, Singh D, Ramanathan S, Yusof NSM, Zainal H, Murugaiyah V, Gueorguieva R, Mansor SM, Chawarski MC. Kratom and Pain Tolerance: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study. Yale J Biol Med. 2020 Jun 29;93(2):229-238. PMID: 32607084; PMCID: PMC7309661.

President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent confession—that “leadership is not easy, it is assumed to be easy from a distance, it is pretty challenging”—might just be the first truth he’s spoken since taking office. For a man who campaigned with an “I know it all” attitude, this overdue admission explains the endless parade of broken promises and his authoritarianism. It seems he’s realized that there’s a big chasm between campaign slogans and the actual work of governance.

From a distance, President Hichilema seemed convinced that catchy slogans, rehearsed speeches, and global charm offensives were all it took to transform Zambia. He genuinely believed that with a little technocratic tweaking and the magic dust of his business reputation, investors would pour in and problems would vanish. He thought he could fix what others had struggled with for years—armed only with a Bally wand and bravado. But once he got to Plot One, that wand turned into a twig. And it’s splintering fast.

Political theorist Max Weber once said that power lies in the “slow boring of hard boards.” But Hichilema treated the presidency like a TED Talk—symbolic, sanitized, and style over substance. Coalition-building, compromise, humility? Not his thing. Instead, he bulldozed over the legacies of his predecessors, acting as if anything before him was obsolete. His obsession with his own ideas (“I am the only one… in the history of this country”) and his compulsive finger-pointing at Edgar Lungu have become so stale that even his die-hard supporters are cringing. One woman called shaking the President’s hand “ukuiishamika”—a curse.

Now, the office that once appeared so glamorous is clearly wearing him down. The Messiah, once worshipped by crowds, is now likened to satan. These days, the best compliment he gets is being called Bashi Promise. The same people who once jeered Lungu under HH’s approving gaze now mock HH in the same breath. Karma has a Zambian passport.

But if HH always knew leadership was this difficult, why did he mock the legacies of Mwanawasa, Banda, Sata, and Lungu as if their struggles were signs of incompetence? Each led Zambia through thorny domestic and global challenges. None of them, it must be said, faced the kind of disillusionment HH has stirred up in just three years. His political capital has all but evaporated. Even “Bally Will Fix It” T-shirts have become unwearable—unless you’re trying to insult your own intelligence. Rumor has it even the First Lady has retired hers.

Still, we must give credit where it’s due. A confession, however calculated, is a rare thing in politics. As my people say, “umwana ekalisha ilyo anya”—a child only sits still after soiling itself.

But let’s not be naïve. As a student of politics, I know better than to take anything from Plot One at face value. This “humble” confession may just be a strategic plot—political framing ahead of the 2026 election. And it comes with two clear advantages.

First, it builds a sympathetic strategy: “I’ve learned, I’ve matured, now I’m ready.” It’s a plea for forgiveness dressed in the robes of wisdom. Second, it sets a rhetorical trap: anyone who criticizes him too harshly is now just “watching from a distance,” as he once did—meaning they don’t really get how hard it is to lead. Classic anticipatory deflection: admit your flaws before your opponents can turn them into weapons.

But that trick only works if Lungu stays off the ballot. If Lungu runs, he’ll blow that “you don’t understand” excuse to bits. He’s been in the trenches. He knows the weight of the job. Which explains HH’s relentless efforts to keep Lungu off the 2026 ticket.

Now the big question. Will Zambians buy it? Will they see HH as a humbled, seasoned leader deserving a second chance—or a failed experiment seeking political cover?

To me, HH came to Plot One with the mind of a baby boss. And in doing so, he misjudged the patience—and intelligence—of the Zambian people. Now, the country is paying the price–unmet expectations, economic strain, and a boiling public mood.

A second term might bring wisdom. But whether the electorate is still interested in Bashi Promise—that’s the real challenge.

Kapya Kaoma