Journalists in Garissa have been urged to prioritize their mental health as increasing workplace pressures, exposure to traumatic events and online harassment continue to affect the well-being of media professionals.
The Secretary General of the Northern Kenya Media Practitioners (NKMP), Yunis Dekow, said mental health should be treated as an essential component of journalist safety and professional development.
Mr. Dekow said journalists regularly report on security incidents, road accidents, humanitarian emergencies, drought, political events and other distressing situations that can have lasting psychological effects if left unaddressed.
“Journalists are often the first to arrive at scenes of tragedy and crisis. While they are expected to remain objective and professional, they are equally vulnerable to emotional and psychological stress,” he said.
Dekow noted that discussions on mental health remain limited in many newsrooms despite the increasing demands placed on journalists.
He called on media organizations, development partners and professional associations to establish wellness programmes, peer-support initiatives and access to counselling services to help journalists cope with occupational stress.
“Mental well-being is fundamental to quality journalism. A healthy journalist is better equipped to serve the public with accuracy, fairness and professionalism,” he added.
Founded by veteran journalists, NKMP, has trained hundreds of journalists through workshops while promoting open conversations on mental health in newsrooms.
It is developing training programmes and practical resources to help journalists and newsroom leaders manage burnout, trauma and workplace stress.
Mr. Yunis Dekow said the initiative has demonstrated that supporting journalists’ well-being not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the resilience and sustainability of the media industry.
Journalists in Garissa and the country continue to face increasing professional pressures, including shrinking newsroom resources, tight deadlines, digital threats and frequent exposure to traumatic events.
Dekow reiterated the urgent need for stakeholders to normalize conversations around mental health and ensure journalists receive the support they need to continue serving the public effectively.
“Looking after the mental health of journalists is not a luxury—it is a necessity for building a resilient, ethical and professional media sector,” he said.
