In summary
- Karani’s journey from thriving community leader to battling mental health challenges in the heart of Kibera.
- Emaculate Akinyi’s story sheds light on the mental health toll faced by young mothers in Kibera, navigating societal pressures and motherhood at a tender age.
- A group of survivors from the area have devised methods to assist others in recovering from mental health challenges.
- Experts now say that mental health issues are a contributing factor to gender-based violence
In the bustling and vibrant community of Kibera, a silent crisis looms—one that affects countless lives every day.
Mental health issues are a growing concern in this densely populated slum, where the challenges of their daily life can become overwhelming.
Today, we bring you the stories of individuals who have faced these challenges head-on, showcasing both their struggles and their incredible resilient.
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Mental Health Challenge In The Informal Settlement
Ghetto Radio encountered Oliver Karani, a middle aged man who stays in Ayany Estate;
‘Nilipomaliza form four I had so many promises from my aunt, alipromise kunipeleka USA but haikumake I don’t know what happened, during those tymes nilikuwa natembelea juu sana but haikumake na ikaniforce kujoin wasee pale Big screen penye nilianza kuchana miraa kupunguza Mawazo ” Said karani
In his life as a person struggling with addiction, Karani was involved in many activities that further threatened his well-being.
He spent recklessly, earning him the nickname ‘Patrick Njiru’ from his friends, drawn from the famous rally driver due to his wild and untroubled spending. While Oliver miraculously escaped harm, not all his friends were as fortunate.
The harsh reality of addiction claimed the lives of some of his drinking companions, leaving a trail of tragedy and loss.
Oliver’s story sheds light on the perilous path of addiction and the devastating impact it has on individuals and their communities.‘ niliingia saa kwa madawa sana, hakuna sahi pombe sijakunywa ama kileo sijalewa. Infact I survived by God’s grace and love. My friends died some by suicide while infact I was overspeeding nikishika steering hadi nikaitwa Patrick Njiru na marafiki wangu Mombasa nilikuwa nafika in few hours and I was very comfortable with it,’ He added.
Mental Health Faced By Young Mothers
Apart from Oliver, Ghetto radio also encountered Emaculate Akinyi, a teen mom who shared her own heart-wrenching journey., navigating societal pressures and motherhood at a tender age.
Despite being a young girl, Emaculate faced immense pressures and challenges that led to her developing mental health complications.
Her story highlights the struggles faced by many young mothers in Kibera, battling societal expectations, economic hardships, and the overwhelming responsibilities of motherhood at such a tender age.
‘mimi naye nilipata ball nikiwa form 2 so mwenye ball akaniruka home naye wazazi wakanikataa. Life wasint easy for me nilitamani abortion but sikuwa na uwezo nikatamani kujiua but haikumakeyani I lived a very deparaete life since sikuwa naenda shule na nynyangu aliniaccomodate tu kiasi then I had to left at her house since she was instructed to sent me away by my parents’ she said.
Emaculate’s life took a transformative turn
Emaculate’s life took a transformative turn when she met Akili Bomba, a non-governmental organization in Kibera. Akili Bomba provided her with support, resources, and a community that helped her regain stability and hope. Through their intervention, Akinyi found the strength to overcome her challenges and build a better future for herself and her child. ‘After living a desperate life till I meet Akili Bomba NGO Fulani wakaniguide wakanicounsel hadi nikajikubali nikarudi shule then nikasamehe wazazi wangu na sahi tunaishi tu poa sana nao. Juu I went back ti school na nimemaliza form four and im okay,’ she added.
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Mental Health Issues and Gender Violence
Experts now say that mental health issues are a contributing factor to gender-based violence.
To provide further insight into the mental health crisis in Kibera, we spoke with Mrs. Magret Adhiambo, an expert from Shining for Hope Community, commonly known as SHOFCO.
She revealed that they record at least ten mental health cases daily in Kibera.‘we do record at least ten cases of Gender based violence only here in SHOFCO and we have several NGO’S here in Kibera then some cases are not reported and as an expert I can confirm that most of this GBV are caused by Mental health issues since mental health is a recipe of GBV,’ said Adhiambo.
Margaret highlighted that the impact of mental health challenges, such as stress, depression, and anxiety, can exacerbate tensions and conflicts within relationships, leading to instances of violence, particularly against women and children.‘ majority of Gender based violence cases are from these mental health disorders that has not been addressed.
That is why femicide and infanticide cases are escalating not only in Kibera but countrywide. Let us not wait it to reach suicidal level so that we can prevent it,’ She added.
A group of survivors from the area have devised methods to assist others in recovering from mental health challenges
Felix Kokonya the visionary founder behind Akili Bomba, a non-profit dedicated to supports youth in combating mental health challenges. Through various programs and initiatives, Akili Bomba aims to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and offer practical tools and resources for the youth to enhance their well-being.
‘ Jambo nililofanaya tofauti nikuwa niliongea na wenzangu waliopitia tatizo hili la Afya aya kialkili na ndio tukaanzisha shirika hili la Akili Bomba. Majorty of our founders walikuwa affected na sahi tunatembea hadi shuleni na mtaani tukihimiza viajana wanao tumia dawa na wale amabao pia hawajaanza kutumia tunawaelezea madhara ya mihadatari, Said Kokonya.
Adhiambo now advocates for Kenyans to openly share their life challenges with counselors to seek help before situations escalate. She stresses the importance of seeking support and guidance from mental health professionals to address issues early and prevent them from worsening. Adhiambo believes that by breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental health, individuals can access the necessary assistance to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
‘ in life we have different challenges, labda umedhulumiwa na mtu, umefiwa, uchumi inakupa, chanagmoto but huwa tunaambia watu it is okay changamoto but what matters huwa unaadress aje. hii ikizidi inafika suicidal level na ikifika hapo ndio watu wanaanza kuuwana.
According to the World Health Report 2020, approximately 1 billion people worldwide are living with mental health issues, with the majority falling between the ages of 15 and 39. The statistics also reveal that around 800,000 people die from suicide globally, and youths aged 15-29 are particularly susceptible to fatalities from road accidents.
