KENYAN MEDIA PRACTITIONERS RALLY BEHIND FORMER NATION JOURNALIST NASIBO KABALE, LIVING IN STREETS.

In a span of two years, different Kenyan journalists have come out to ask for help in dealing with mental health disorders

With many working in fast paced newsrooms, this challenge now poses concerns for every newsroom to come up with strategies that shield reporter's ability to cope mentally

A new video has emerged of former Nation journalist Nasibo Kabale languishing in the streets after quitting her job due to depression

Mental health has been a point of concern for many, especially for professionals who are required to concentrate, meet deadlines, and maintain creativity.

WHY JOURNALISTS ARE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH

For many journalists, the focus on mental health tends to be kicked in the curb which in return ends up affecting their physical health, relationships and daily functioning.

Many have in the past one year come out to seek for help after videos circulated on social media about their mental status.

This has now become a challenge that will require newsrooms to come up with strategies that shield journalists by giving the coping mechanisms that cater to their mental stability.

A new video of former Nation Media Group journalist Nasibo Kabale living on the streets has emerged, leaving many heartbroken.

The scribe, who was popular with her coverage during the COVID-19 period, has left many wondering what may have resulted in her living on the streets.

WHO IS NASIBO KABALE

In a TikTok video shared by @streetsvibing, Nasibo can be seen holding a knife, which she explains she uses as her weapon while sleeping.

"In 2020, I was given a Presidential Award, so when they fired people, I was among the five people who remained at Nation. So that job started disturbing me, seeing people dying during COVID-19. I was diagnosed with depression. There was a time in the office I felt like dying and was taken to Chiromo Hospital, and that's when they started giving me anti-depressants," she said.

HOW NASIBO FOUND HERSELF ON THE STREETS

The health reporter said she quit her job after noticing her health was deteriorating. She revealed she has never applied for a job in her life.

"Even at Nation, they told me to come with papers and I was told this is your desk. I left Nation because of depression."

Currently, her daughter lives with the father, and she noted how bad she feels not being with the baby as she is homeless.

"Actually, he just saw her on the streets. He was covering stories; he is a famous person. They have bonded, and my baby is in Grade Two. She eats well, she goes to school, but I feel bad that I am not there, she is missing out on a mother's love. It hurts me the most. He (baby daddy) thought it was a disease I had put on myself," she said.

Currently, she survives on jobs like collecting nails and trash from people's homes to earn a living.

HOW KIMANI MBUGUA CAME OUT TO SEEK HELP

Elsewhere, former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua, in a heartbreaking video shared online, disclosed that he was homeless and struggling to make ends meet.

According to Mbugua, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020, followed by a series of events that have since left him in a state of despair.

He asked Kenyans to help him clear his KSh 1.7 million debt and asked if anyone was willing to invest in his idea.

KEY:

WE NEED TO RAISE OUR VOICES TO HELP THE JOURNALISTS THAT ARE SUFFERING. THEY ALSO HELP US BY HELPING US SHARE OUR LIFE TROUBLES LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY. LET'S DO THE SAME TO SHOW OUR GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION.