MEN HOLD POTENTIAL TO TRANSFORM SOCIETY
PRESS STATEMENT
Preamble
Men drawn from Isiolo, Meru, Marsabit, and Tharaka Nithi Counties have held a two-day Men’s Conference under the theme “Unleash Your Potential and Reposition for Societal Transformation (Romans 12:1–9)”.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
1. State of the Men
The state of the men in Kenya, and especially in the Upper Eastern Region, is dire. High rates of suicide and mental health challenges and lack of support systems have led to confusion and frustration in society. The pressure to be the sole breadwinners, in the context of rising unemployment, is exerting strain on the society, leading to absentee fathers and breakdown of family structures. There is therefore a need for us to mark a turning point where men rise to lead their families, communities, and churches with renewed conviction and a Christ-centered vision.
2. Unlocking the Divine Potential of Men
We call upon all men to reclaim their divinely ordained roles within the family, church, and society. Men must act like men, just as we are challenged to do in 1 Kings 2: 2. We solemnly warn of the serious consequences that arise when men disengage from their responsibilities in leadership and priesthood. We strongly emphasize the urgent need to move away from positional authority rooted in traditional customs and instead embrace functional authority grounded in integrity and action.
3. Navigating Mental Health and Emotion Resilience as Men
In Kenya, mental health challenges among men are often overlooked, with societal norms discouraging open discussions about emotional well-being. Recent data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicates that 56.9% of Kenyan men suffer from mental disorders, surpassing the 43.1% prevalence among women. Regrettably, more than 60% of the men experiencing mental health issues do not seek treatment, often due to stigma and traditional expectations of masculinity that equate emotional vulnerability with weakness.
The consequences are dire, with men more likely to succumb to depression, substance abuse and death by suicide.
This underscores the urgent need for open conversations, supportive environments, and accessible mental health services tailored to men’s needs. Addressing these issues is not just a health need but an existential imperative for the society and nation.
Towards this, we appeal for emotional resilience, spiritual depth, and character-based leadership. Let us lead through the strength of character and the example of godly living, not on the basis of entitlement
4. Repositioning Men as Role Models
Repositioning men as role models is essential for shaping the future of the Kenyan society. As men we must empower ourselves to lead with integrity and responsibility so as to drive positive change across families, communities, and the nation. To achieve this, we recommend:
- Deliberate Family Engagement: Men should actively participate in family life to enhance emotional bonds and promotes stability. Studies indicate that men who engage in household responsibilities contribute to healthier family dynamics and improved child development outcomes.
- Emotional Openness: Breaking the stigma surrounding men’s emotional expression is vital. Creating safe spaces for men to share their feelings will lead to better mental health and stronger interpersonal relationships.
- Embrace Technology as a Tool for Empowerment: Leveraging digital platforms will provide men with access to education, employment opportunities, and social networks. Reports show that 63.5% of Kenyan men use the internet daily, surpassing their female counterparts, highlighting the potential for technology to empower men.
- Prioritize Self-Care and Supportive Networks: Encouraging men to prioritize their well-being and build supportive communities fosters resilience and personal growth. Let us promote self-care practices among men.
- Addressing Property Succession: There is great danger in secrecy and delay in handing over leadership, properties and assets to the next generation. Men need to embrace timely mentorship, transparent documentation, and open discussion of properties owned and inheritance issues to avert family disputes and safeguard legacies.
5. Raising Sons and Mentoring Young Men
In Kenya, it is imperative to raise sons and mentor young men is critical for fostering a transformed society. With youth unemployment rates at 67% among those aged 15–34, and over 800,000 young people entering the labor market annually without sufficient skills or opportunities, the need for proactive mentorship is extremely urgent. Additionally, boys are more likely to drop out of school than girls, with dropout rates in some regions exceeding 5%. Addressing these challenges requires intentional efforts by men to guide young men toward responsible adulthood.
6. Our Call to Action
In view of the foregoing, we call upon all men in Kenya to rise to their God-ordained responsibilities in the family, church, and society. Transformation begins with the individual, through faith, integrity, and accountability. We urge church leaders, government officials, and civil society organizations to partner in creating nurturing sustainable environments for men’s spiritual, emotional, and leadership growth.
We reaffirm our commitment to God’s vision of masculinity — one that is defined by grace, purpose, and responsibility.
May God bless our men, our families, and our nation.
Signed on this 5th day of June 2025 at Gitoro Conference Center, Meru County
Rev. James Kimathi Nyaga
Vice Chairperson, NCCK Upper Eastern Region
