Joseph Isangura
A, once-prominent journalist in Kenya, Nasibo Kabale embarked on a road to recovery after struggling with severe depression, which disrupted her professional and personal life.
Nasibo gained national recognition in 2020 for her outstanding coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic while working as a health reporter for NTV. Her thorough and empathetic reporting on the virus earned her accolades, but the emotional strain of witnessing the devastating effects of the pandemic led to a psychological breakdown.
After witnessing numerous deaths and tragedies caused by Covid-19, Nasibo fell into depression. This eventually caused her to lose her job and led to strained family relationships. She also lost custody of her daughter, who was placed under the care of her father, a fellow journalist. As her condition worsened, Nasibo found herself homeless and unable to continue her once-bright career in journalism.
Her situation came to light recently when a video of her in distress surfaced online, prompting an outpouring of concern from the public. The video went viral, garnering widespread attention from Kenyans and local celebrities. Erick Omondi, a well-known comedian and philanthropist, was among the first to offer help. He visited Nasibo’s family in Jamhuri Estate, Nairobi, and revealed that she had already been admitted to a rehabilitation center for treatment.
Omondi has since urged the public to rally behind Nasibo and offer her the support she needs to fully recover. “She’s currently receiving treatment and showing signs of improvement,” Omondi said. “But it’s important that we continue to support her as she works through this difficult period.”
Nasibo’s mother also spoke to the media, expressing her gratitude for the overwhelming show of solidarity. She confirmed that her daughter was in stable condition and receiving appropriate care. “We’re hopeful that Nasibo will recover fully,” her mother stated, adding that the family remains optimistic about her rehabilitation.
As part of her recovery, Nasibo has expressed her desire to return to the media industry, but with a shift in focus. She plans to explore podcasting and vlogging, which would allow her to engage with an audience in a less traditional media format. “I want to venture into podcasting and content creation,” Nasibo said, “and tell stories in a new, dynamic way.”
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However, to fully realize this dream, she will need the proper equipment, such as a high-quality microphone and camera. Kenyans have responded generously to her plea, with many offering financial assistance to help her get the necessary tools to restart her career.
Nasibo’s story has sparked a nationwide conversation about mental health, particularly in high-stress professions such as journalism. Her openness about her battle with depression has inspired discussions on the need for mental health resources and support systems for professionals who face traumatic experiences in their work.
In addition to financial donations, messages of support have flooded social media, with many commending Nasibo for her courage in sharing her struggles and advocating for mental health awareness. The public has rallied around her, offering encouragement and hope for her recovery and future endeavors.
