Caption for the landscape image: The skin-lightening lie and how my niece made me stop bleaching Saturday, July 11, 2026 Scroll down to read the article Anne Desdemona during an interview at Nation Centre on June 16, 2026. Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group By Esther Intabo Article Related Anne Desdemona is effortlessly stylish. In a brown kimono tied neatly with a silver belt, she looks polished without seeming overdone. “You look so pretty,” I tell her. “Thank you,” she replies, smiling. “I do my own makeup.” Beyond self-hate: Why African women prefer lighter skin tones Researchers argue practice reflects deeper cultural, historical and economic pressures beyond personal appearance preferences. PREMIUM Unpacking black identity in Germany through literature The German author, actress and Frankfurt city councillor Mirrianne Mahn revealed how the late Nobel laureate Prof Wangari Maathai shaped her worldview. PREMIUM Is skin lightening vanity or colourism? Black women’s skin insecurities sustain a multibillion-dollar business in products some states have banned. PREMIUM Why young women should not bleach the skin The long-term use of skin-bleaching products can cause cancer. Recommended for you PREMIUM The body count debate: When does a partner's past become a relationship concern? PREMIUM How Sankaran is making maths simple for millions of learners PREMIUM Should I take cheaper loans abroad or invest in Kenya’s property market? PREMIUM When you seek ‘dudus’ at the Ondiri Swamp Login to join the discussion Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. In the headlines Elections News Counties Business Opinion Sports Life & Style Health Podcasts Photos Newsletters Puzzles PREMIUM How Sankaran is making maths simple for millions of learners Nirmala Sankaran built a platform to help children face math with confidence instead of fear. PREMIUM Auditor-General: Recovery of Sh4bn Uwezo loans unlikely Money had been disbursed to women and youth groups since inception of flagship programme under Vision 2030 growth plan. IEBC expands diaspora voting to 26 countries Commission chairman says mapping of more countries has been approved to boost participation by Kenyans abroad.
Beyond self-hate: Why African women prefer lighter skin tones Researchers argue practice reflects deeper cultural, historical and economic pressures beyond personal appearance preferences.
PREMIUM Unpacking black identity in Germany through literature The German author, actress and Frankfurt city councillor Mirrianne Mahn revealed how the late Nobel laureate Prof Wangari Maathai shaped her worldview.
PREMIUM Is skin lightening vanity or colourism? Black women’s skin insecurities sustain a multibillion-dollar business in products some states have banned.
PREMIUM Why young women should not bleach the skin The long-term use of skin-bleaching products can cause cancer.
PREMIUM How Sankaran is making maths simple for millions of learners Nirmala Sankaran built a platform to help children face math with confidence instead of fear.
PREMIUM Auditor-General: Recovery of Sh4bn Uwezo loans unlikely Money had been disbursed to women and youth groups since inception of flagship programme under Vision 2030 growth plan.
IEBC expands diaspora voting to 26 countries Commission chairman says mapping of more countries has been approved to boost participation by Kenyans abroad.