May 9, 2025
By Grace Koki
The tides of the sea come to the shore at night and return in the morning, marking a new day—just as the Earth rotates on its axis. Life is always moving, always shifting. And so must we, especially in how we support the most vulnerable among us.
Recently, I visited Kamiti Prisons through an initiative by Akilispace, a platform championing mental health awareness and youth empowerment. We were there to meet and speak with boys under 18, incarcerated and often forgotten by the very society that raised them. What stood out wasn’t just their circumstances—but the silence in their stories.
A silence filled with pain, confusion, and a deep lack of mentorship.Most of the boys we met didn’t have strong role models. Many were raised in homes with absent or abusive fathers. They didn’t have big brothers to guide them, or mentors to walk with them. What they shared reflected a deeper crisis: a mental and emotional void that society rarely talks about.
In our quest to uplift the girl child—a noble and necessary cause—we may have unintentionally left the boy child behind. And now, he is paying the price in silence.The impact is visible: boys who fall through the cracks often land in prisons, rehabilitation centers, or on the streets. With no one to confide in and no tools for emotional expression, many turn to aggression, substance abuse, or self-isolation. This is not just a gender issue—it’s a mental health emergency.
At Akilispace, we are actively working to bridge this gap. Through juvenile visits like the one to Kamiti and ongoing mental health awareness campaigns, we aim to be present where it matters most. We offer not just legal knowledge or wellness tools—but presence, empathy, and mentorship. These young men need more than lectures. They need to be seen, heard, and believed in.
Let’s be clear: this is not about elevating boys over girls. It’s about equity, not neglect. Every child deserves love, structure, and someone to guide them. The boy child, too, needs a safe space to cry, to dream, and to grow.
Mentorship and emotional support can break cycles of incarceration, addiction, and violence. These boys are not lost causes—they are full of potential, waiting for someone to believe in them.
Charity begins at home—but change begins with intention. Let’s mentor the boy child. Not just for his sake, but for the future fathers, partners, and leaders we hope to see.Akilispace is doing its part. Will you?
