The 13km hike at Ngong hills in pursuit of mental health among journalists

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 25- The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya has heightened its campaign to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness among journalists, in a move that is meant to encourage more scribes to speak freely about their condition and also seek medical help.

On Saturday, the members of the association embarked on a hike to Ngong Hills later holding interactive sessions on mental health and wellness, with those attending freely sharing their experiences, more so now when the world is battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent studies have found a significant correlation between psychological distress and the absence of counseling… and this is a take of many journalists, some who have never had a debriefing session in their entire career.

“It was a therapeutic experience,” Dorrah Munjaru, a journalist working for CGTN, an international English-language cable TV news service based in Beijing, China, said after finishing the 13 kilometres hike.

She was among journalists who are not members of CJAK but had been invited to participate in the hike. This was the second Mental Wellness Day event held by CJAK in 2021.

Others who participated in the hike and are not members include journalists drawn from various associations such as health, sports, education and the foreign press association,Africa.

Scaling Ngong Hills

Knowing well that it would be an uphill task, journalists braced the cold weather and rough terrain, aiming to conquer the Kenyan landscape further embodying the old adage that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

The hike kicked off at 11am and ended at 3pm.

A scenic and picture perfect location, which many had only interacted with on screen came to life, face to face Saturday on the trail.

Though many in the course of the hike stared at lethargy from a distance, the reward atop the hill, where the sun shone brightest was fulfilling, mind opening and as one journalists reiterated, ” an experience to remember and great for my mental health.”

“When everything feels like an uphill struggle, think about the view from the top.” quipped one of the scribes on the hiking trail.

The hike was divided into three groups, the fastest that was led by veteran crime reporter Cyrus Ombati and Joseph Ndunda, the second one was led by CJAK chairperson Dominic Wabala, while the last group was led by the Secretary General, Joseph Muraya.

“I conquered the torturous Ngong Hills for the first time in the company of the amazing #CJAK team,” Mary Wambui, a CJAK member and crime reporter with the Nation Media Group said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Ombati, who said, “yes, the terrain was difficult, but we did it. I feel good.”

Hillary Kimuyu, who is a journalist based at the Nation Media Group and a CJAK member said the event called for determination and resolve among the participants.

“It was not only mentally liberating but also refreshing to our body,” Kimuyu said.

Also present was Winnie Mutuku a media student, who had never been at the Ngong Hills or even participated in a Mental Wellness activity.

“I am so thankful to CJAK for this exposure. I did not l know it is challenging practicing journalism. I met new people, made new friends. I learnt so much from the personal stories I heard,” she said.

“No one can take care of your mental health other than yourself. You only have yourself to do it,” CJAK chairperson Wabala said during a “mental talk” held after the hike at a hotel in Kiserian, Kajiado County.

“We must take charge of our health and as CJAK we shall only play our part in creating awareness and linking our members and other Journalists with professionals.”

During the mental talk held later in the day, freelance Journalist Dannish Odongo shared his personal story battling mental related issues and how though strenuous he overcame it.

Odongo, like many other Journalists, was exposed to violence and other traumatic events in the line of duty.

He passionately spoke of how he faced Stigma and the effects his condition had on his career and personal life.

“The biggest loss I had was that of opportunities. It’s like my life stopped for almost a year I did not work it was not an easy journey,” Odongo said.

Odongo however encouraged journalists to speak out and reach out since someone may be battling mental health challenges either knowingly or unknowingly.

“Let’s invest in our health rather than on medication, when it’s too late.”

Other attendees of the Saturday event said it had helped them “to decongest their brains.”

International Justice Mission-Kenya communication boss Joseph Kariuki hailed the initiative, which he said, “looked simple but very impactful.”