In a direct response to rising mental health crises and suicide rates among men, Sifa FM, in partnership with local health organizations and community stakeholders, recently hosted the landmark Jamvi Mashinani 2026 forum.
The convention, anchored under the theme “Prioritizing Men’s Mental Health,” was held on Saturday at the Misharinyi Full Gospel Church in Marungu Ward, Voi Sub-County. The targeted drive brought together dozens of local men to engage face-to-face with professional psychologists, healthcare practitioners, and spiritual leaders.
Medical experts at the forum emphasized that safeguarding men’s psychological well-being is not just an individual necessity, but a core requirement for community stability.
Muriel Kinyanga, a registered nurse from the Moi County Referral Hospital, addressed the gathering on the critical need to dismantle cultural barriers that prevent men from seeking medical and psychological assistance.
“Focusing on men’s mental health is vital if we want to build a resilient and stable society,” Kinyanga noted. “For too long, men have suffered in the shadows. Addressing their mental well-being ensures we have healthier families and a stronger community backbone.”
The forum also shed light on a growing generational gap. Community leaders warned that young men and boys are increasingly being left behind in modern empowerment and social support conversations.
Daniel Karinda, the founder of the Okoa Boychild initiative in Taita-Taveta County, made an urgent appeal to the community to unite and build a safe, healthy environment that protects young men alongside girls. He strongly cautioned men against internalizing their struggles, directly linking prolonged silence to preventable tragedies like suicide.
“The boy child is an essential pillar of our society and deserves the exact same focus and resources that we give to the girl child,” Karinda stated during his address. “I am pleading with our men: do not stay silent. Come out and speak about the heavy burdens and pressures you are carrying so that you can get the right help.”
Recognizing that speaking out requires structured support, Karinda reassured residents that local advocacy groups have built accessible networks of professional counselors specifically trained to handle male-centric trauma and depression.
“We must realize that suicide is entirely preventable if we intervene early,” Karinda added. “Through the Okoa Boychild organization, we have professional psychologists who are fully equipped and ready to support you. We are here to listen, guide you, and restore your mental health.”
In addition to mental health counseling, the forum provided participants with open dialogue spaces to address domestic pressures, alongside free medical check-ups aimed at promoting holistic wellness.
