In early 2020, when Kenya confirmed its first Covid-19 case, the country experienced rapid and dramatic changes. Jobs were lost, businesses closed, and the nation went into lockdown. As time passed, stress, depression, and mental health issues began to rise, with Kiambiu being one of the affected areas. As a group that champions and advocates for mental health, we recognized the urgent need to address this crisis.
To better equip ourselves, we underwent in-house capacity building on mental health, deepening our understanding of the topic. On May 2nd, 2021, we joined forces with other like-minded individuals to launch the Depression Walk campaign in the streets of Kiambiu. Our mission was to promote self-care and raise awareness about mental health in general.
The walk took us through all five villages in Kiambiu, providing an opportunity for open and honest conversations about mental health with the community and individuals. We believe that our efforts significantly contributed to raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The Depression Walk was a powerful testament to the impact of grassroots initiatives in addressing critical social issues.
