MMUST Champions Accountable Fatherhood, Mental Wellness and Gender Equity as It Marks 2025 Father’s Day Celebrations
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) through the Directorate of AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming (DACGDM), marked the 2025 Father’s Day with a program focused on men’s mental wellness, gender equality, and the call for accountable fatherhood. The event themed, ‘Here’s to Him!’, was held on 26th June, 2025, at the Main Catering Unit (MCU) and was graced by Mr. Davis Ochieng Okeyo, a Representative of the National Gender and Equality Commission.
A section of participants keenly follow the discussions.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Davis Okeyo emphasized the urgent need to address men’s mental health, especially anxiety, which is a key concern often overlooked due to societal expectations of stoicism and self-reliance. “When fathers are present and emotionally engaged, communities thrive because equality is not just a women’s issue but everyone’s. This change starts by giving men permission to feel, to speak, and to care,” said Mr. Okeyo, cautioning participants to be aware of the causes and warning signs of anxiety.
“Symptoms such as irritability, excessive sweating, restlessness and fatigue should not be ignored. I encourage you to venture in various income streams, adopt healthy lifestyles and find time for hobbies that promote mental wellness,” he advised. Commenting on gender-based violence, Mr. Okeyo acknowledged that men are also victims, even though they are often seen as perpetrators, and urged society not to be judgmental.
Mr. Davis Ochieng Okeyo, a Representative of the National Gender and Equality Commission addressing the participants.
The Deputy Director ACGDM, Dr. Ruben Rutto, commended this celebration as a timely initiative that echoes MMUST’s broader vision for inclusive community engagement. “This event highlights our commitment to fostering platforms where men’s voices, vulnerabilities, and contributions are acknowledged and respected,” he stated.
“Our theme, Here’s to Him!, is a call for us to pause and appreciate men who are often under celebrated despite their profound contributions to families and communities,” said Dr. Lucy Mandillah, the Chairperson of the Gender Mainstreaming Committee. She called on participants to challenge societal stereotypes that suppress male vulnerability.
The Deputy Director ACGDM, Dr. Ruben Rutto at the event.
Similarly, Ms. Yvonne Imbosa, an Advocate of the High Court based in Kakamega County, addressed the issue of accountable fatherhood. She decried the frequent exclusion of responsible fathers in custody decisions. “Many men who are actively involved in their children’s lives are denied visitation rights. It is time they bring such injustices before the courts for fair judgment,’ she noted.
Ms. Yvonne Imbosa, an Advocate of the High Court speaking.
Certainly, this event reaffirmed MMUST’s dedication to gender equity and mental wellness. To cultivate this spirit in campus, the Directorate committed to rolling out more targeted male engagement programs, psychosocial support initiatives, and legal literacy campaigns to sustain the impact beyond the Father’s Day celebration.
By Joy Agnes
Photos by Ronny Obuolo
