Dorcas Nyambura, popularly known as “Manzi wa Errands”. She is passionate about facilitation and community work, especially about people who are HIV positive, encouraging them, being with them, talking to them and reminding them to take their drugs so that they cannot default. A graduate of Theatre and Films Technology from Kenyatta University, says: “I was broke. It was nothing planned. I am one person who plans everything. But I decided it was me who needed to have capital and it can be done by me, myself. I need to be there. My contract had just ended. I didn’t want…
Author: Gladys Njamiu
Gladys Njamiu
Gladys Njamiu writes on mental health, books and films. Holds a bachelor’s Degree in English and Literature from Machakos University. She is a poet and cat lover.
In Kenya, 1 out of 4 persons who seek healthcare has a mental health condition. These statistics beg the question, what is the best approach to protecting, promoting and caring for the mental health of our people? A 2021 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) said: “Suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship breakup or chronic pain and illness.” Meet Ms Cynthia Mutheu, passionate about Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. Popularly known as Mutcy wa Mental Health, she raises awareness…
My therapist said we need to see people being happy. When I say therapist, you know I mean Tiptop, right? In the spirit of being happy, I went out. Well, two pepperoni pizzas for the price of one, count me in! Mercy has a really welcoming smile, the kind to make you buy extra wings. I’m the kind to eat the same thing over and over until I’m bored. One thing my ex taught me is always to have a backup plan. Mercy suggests I try the Hawaiian. Does pineapple belong on pizza? Of course, the seat at the furthest…
There’s something about Tuesday classes. Monday, we soothe the blues, but Tuesday, we get ready to start the week, plus the classes start at 10:00 am, with zero pressure. As the class representative, I get to school early, collect the signing sheet, get a venue, and communicate with my classmates about that day’s agenda. I can’t help but notice the low turnout; we started as a class of 70, and two years later, we are now 55. The number will decrease. It’s bound to. Everyone in this class is entirely predictable, from when they get to class, how they dress,…
Today I arrived late, by late I mean my favourite spot was taken. I love sitting at the end of the hall, facing the mirror. This way, I can see everyone well, stare, and no one will ask questions. The coffee smells excellent today; Kathy, my favourite Barista, is on duty today, which means my Latte will have a beautiful heart on it. The waffles and pancakes are inviting; Kathy has everything here; she uses powdered sugar to create little, cute patterns. ‘Hello? How are you?’ Kathy asks as she grabs her pen and paper to take my order. ‘I’m…
Good morning, love. I hope you have a fruitful day if you have no one. Nowadays, everyone seems to be in a relationship, and not just that but healthy, growing relationships. These people are thriving! However, some of us are still trying; either you are freshly single (tell me about the breakup and what caused it), have been single for a while, or are in a situation ship, I got gems for you. The truth will set you free. Reflect on your past relationships; what happened? Was she the love of your life? Sometimes we are honest with every other person…