14/04/2025
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Bridging the Silent Gap in Isiolo’s Mental Health Journey
Isiolo Town, Kenya – On a sunny Thursday morning, Halima Wario sits under a tree in Bulapesa, quietly scrolling through her phone. Her attention is fixed on a video where a calm voice talks about anxiety, self-awareness, and daily coping tools. She nods softly. “This page has become my safe space,” she says. She’s talking about Kamie Wellness, a rising online-based psychologist service provider that is slowly but surely becoming Isiolo’s digital mental health sanctuary.
While Isiolo is known for its vibrant culture, strong community spirit, and resilience in the face of droughts and insecurity, mental well-being remains a silent topic—discussed in whispers, if at all. According to data from the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015-2030), nearly 1 in every 4 Kenyans suffers from a mental health condition. In pastoralist regions like Isiolo, the numbers could be higher—masked by stigma, limited services, and cultural silence.
That’s where Kamie Wellness steps in, with a mission to make mental health relatable, accessible, and judgment-free.
A Digital Approach Rooted in Local Realities
Founded just over a year ago, Kamie Wellness offers online therapy sessions, wellness tips, and relatable mental health content on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Their tone is gentle, their visuals calming, and their advice grounded in everyday Isiolo life. Whether it’s tackling the stress of joblessness, post-trauma from insecurity, or the loneliness many youth face, the content is speaking a language people understand.
"They post in a way that feels like a friend checking on you," says John Lekolool, a 26-year-old boda boda rider from Kambi Garba. "I’ve never thought counseling was for people like me, but now I know it’s about being okay inside."
Kamie’s online sessions are conducted by trained psychologists, including professionals from Northern Kenya and others working remotely from Nairobi. The goal is simple: break barriers and normalize support-seeking behavior, especially among young adults, mothers, and even men—who are often overlooked in mental health campaigns.
Changing Culture, One Post at a Time
One of Kamie’s most shared TikToks features a young woman silently battling burnout while attending to family chores. It ends with a reminder: “You can care for others and still need care yourself.” The video gained many views in just a week. It’s storytelling like this that’s breaking through deep-rooted perceptions.
Community Partnerships and the Road Ahead
Kamie Wellness is now exploring partnerships with local schools, youth groups, and women’s forums. Through Nova Inc, a branding and digital consultancy based in Isiolo, the platform is designing campaigns that incorporate local languages, idioms, and even nomadic metaphors to talk about emotional health. Their Ramadan reflections, mental reset series, and self-awareness challenges are reaching audiences who never thought mental health could be for them.
"Even our elders need to understand that it’s okay to talk,” says Mama Amina, a community leader from Wabera. “We’re used to being strong, but even warriors need healing."
Conclusion: A Silent Revolution
Kamie Wellness isn’t just running a service—it’s leading a quiet revolution. In a county where emotional battles are often fought in silence, it is offering not only tools but dignity, hope, and the courage to ask for help.
As Isiolo grows into a digital-savvy, youthful population, platforms like Kamie might just be the bridge between silence and healing. Because mental health isn't a Nairobi issue. It's a human issue—and Kamie Wellness is reminding Isiolo that everyone deserves to feel whole
Story by: M.K.Mwenda
