On May 31st, the Banja Mtaani community gathered at Bomb Blast Memorial Park for “Failure and Mental Health,” a reflective and energizing forum centered on navigating setbacks and building emotional resilience. Nearly 90 young people engaged in mindful activities, honest conversations, and a powerful panel exploring the link between failure and mental well-being. Rooted in the values championed by Integrative Wellbeing, the space emphasized whole-person care, peer support, and the power of storytelling. The day also marked the launch of a micro-grant to support 100 youth-led “Fancied Aiders” projects—furthering a shared vision for community-based mental health solutions.
Why this topic?
Youth in Kenya are facing a tough job market. Every year, over 1,000,000 young people enter the labor force. However, only a small number are able to secure formal employment. This leaves many competing for just a few openings. In some cases, hundreds or even thousands of people apply for the same job.
Most of the available work is in the informal sector. These jobs often lack stability and offer very low pay. As a result, even in cities like Nairobi where the general unemployment rate seems lower, young people still struggle to find meaningful work.
The pressure can be intense. Many young people send out dozens of job applications without getting a single response. Some spend a lot of money on documents and transport, only to face rejection again and again. It is no surprise that this experience can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of failure.
For many, starting a business feels like the only option. But entrepreneurship is not easy either. Most young entrepreneurs say they cannot access the money they need to start. Others mention the lack of mentorship or say they cannot compete in crowded markets. Many youth-led businesses close within the first few months because of these challenges.
Despite everything, there are some bright spots. Programs like the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project have helped thousands of young people launch businesses or get jobs. The National Mental Health Policy is also working to make mental health care more available.
This is why this conversation matters. These struggles are not a reflection of personal failure. They are signs of a system that needs change. By coming together, we can start building solutions that support both mental wellbeing and economic opportunity for young people.
Meet our Panelists
Nyandia Gachago is a Chartered Marketer, strategist, and co-founder of MintyLime, an AI-powered creative agency helping brands grow through smart, impactful marketing. With over a decade of experience in marketing, PR, and digital innovation, she is also a dedicated digital and social activist advocating for the responsible use of AI across Africa. Nyandia brings a human-first approach to leadership, blending influence, innovation, and storytelling to create lasting impact.
Nailah Mutheu is a storyteller, community builder, and marketing consultant with a deep passion for people. She thrives at the intersection of connection, collaboration, and strategy, helping individuals and organizations show up with clarity and purpose. As the founder of Hineni, a Christ-centered community, and Kenya’s Global Wellness Day Ambassador, she is dedicated to fostering authentic connection and promoting holistic well-being. Whether building brands or curating experiences, Nailah is driven by a single guiding question: How can we do this in a way that is meaningful, sustainable, and true to who we are?
Trevis Njiru is a passionate mental health advocate, freestyle rapper, and creative storyteller using art to spark important conversations around mental wellness, especially among youth. With a strong presence on TikTok and community-based platforms, he blends music, real-life stories, and street-smart wisdom to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and inspire healing. Trevis is also the founder of Zen Tribe, a youth-led social club dedicated to mental health, connection, and personal growth
Anthony Maina is a youth leader and community organizer from Kasarani, known for mobilizing young people to drive social change. As co-founder of the Kasarani Social Justice Centre, he leads campaigns, trains peer advocates, and uses storytelling to make civic issues accessible. His leadership blends empathy with strategy, inspiring a growing movement of youth changemakers across Nairobi.
Our Takeaways
Safe Space for Real
Conversations
The forum created a supportive environment where nearly 90 youth openly shared
experiences around failure, mental health, and resilience—breaking stigma and
building trust.
Youth Voices Took
Center Stage
A relatable, youth-led panel sparked deep engagement and empowered attendees to
reflect, ask questions, and explore practical coping tools for everyday life.
Peer Support
Networks Are Growing
Several small peer clusters formed during the event, showing strong community
interest in staying connected and supporting each other beyond the forum.
Mental Wellness Met
Creative Expression
Mindfulness activities like coloring and card games helped participants feel at
ease, promoting mental wellness through simple, creative engagement.
A Micro-Grant for
Youth Action Was Launched
In collaboration with FSN and Integrative Wellbeing, the event introduced a
micro-grant initiative to support 100 youth-led “Fancied Aiders” projects
focused on mental health and community care.
Insights Will Shape
Future Forums
Learnings from delayed start times and missed breakout sessions are informing
future planning—to protect time for co-creation, deeper dialogue, and stronger
logistics.
A Movement is
Taking Shape
More than just a one-day forum, this event marked a step forward in building a
youth-driven, community-led mental health movement rooted in honesty, care, and
collective resilience.