As a risk management professional, I have spent much of my career helping organizations navigate uncertainty. From boardrooms to strategy sessions, risk management is often seen as a technical discipline reserved for the corporate world. But the more I immersed myself in the field, the more I realized that risk is not confined to business; it is a constant feature of everyday life. This realization became the spark that inspired me to write Dangers We Face and How to Avoid Them.
Risk is everywhere. Whether we are planning a holiday, investing, starting a business, or simply crossing the street, we are constantly managing uncertainty. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report (2025) underscores this, emphasizing the increasing relevance of risk management as a vital skill for the future. But while adults may attend seminars or read books on the topic, children are often left out of these critical conversations.
I began to ask myself: Why don't we teach children about risk? After all, they encounter it daily; sometimes in very serious forms. At school, they may face bullying, peer pressure, or accidents. At home, there are safety hazards that can be easily overlooked. Online, the risks multiply: cyberbullying, online gambling, predatory behaviors, body shaming, and exposure to inappropriate content. These dangers are very real, yet we often expect children to navigate them without proper guidance.
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This gap drove me to write a book that could serve as a starting point for young people to understand risk. But I didn't want to overwhelm them with technical jargon or complex theories. Instead, I chose to present these ideas in simple, clear language, supported by colorful and relatable illustrations. My aim was to create a book that children aged 7 to 14 could read, understand, and apply in their everyday lives.
To make the concept of risk more relatable, I opened the book with an analogy that resonates with many Kenyans: climbing Mount Kenya. Anyone preparing for such a climb understands the need for careful planning - physical training, medical checkups, proper equipment, financial budgeting, and seeking advice from experienced climbers. Every step is a form of risk mitigation, designed to increase the chances of a safe and fulfilling experience. In this context, risk is defined as "the effect of uncertainty on objectives" (ISO 31000), and risk management as "the creation and protection of value."
This simple framework helps children (and adults) understand that risk is not always about danger; it can also be about opportunity. The goal is not to eliminate risk entirely - which is impossible - but to manage it wisely so that we can pursue our goals with confidence and safety.
Beyond simply educating children, my hope is that Dangers We Face and How to Avoid Them will serve as a tool for parents, teachers, and guardians to initiate open dialogues about the risks children face. It is designed to foster not just awareness, but also trust and communication between children and the adults who guide them. By encouraging these conversations, we can empower children to recognize dangers, make informed decisions, and seek help when necessary.
This book is not just for homes; it has applications in schools, mentorship programs, book clubs, and parenting workshops. As digital penetration grows and children gain increasing access to online spaces, the need for early education on risk management becomes more urgent. Kenya's rapid embrace of digital technology brings with it incredible opportunities, but also unprecedented challenges for young users.
In writing this book, I was also driven by a broader vision for the future. As the world becomes more interconnected and volatile, risk management will continue to be one of the most critical skills any individual can possess. The World Economic Forum's data makes it clear: the ability to evaluate risks and seize opportunities will define not only careers but entire lives. Preparing our children today means equipping them with tools that will serve them for decades to come.
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Ultimately, Dangers We Face and How to Avoid Them is more than just a book; it is my contribution to a conversation that I believe we need to have as a society. It challenges us to rethink how we prepare our children for an uncertain world - one where sound decision-making, critical thinking, and personal responsibility will be indispensable.
If we can teach children to read, write, and solve math problems, surely we can also teach them to identify risks and navigate life safely and confidently. My hope is that this book will play a small role in making that happen.
The writer is a seasoned risk management professional who currently serves as Group Head of Risk & Quality Assurance at the CPF Group and is the Co-Chair of IRM East Africa, a regional platform for thought leadership in risk management
