Cover Story
Caring Out Loud: Evans Kabaka on Manhood, Mental Health, and the Meaning of Movember
From beard banter to bold advocacy, Murang’a-based creative Evans Kabaka turns conversations on manhood into lessons on care, community, and self-awareness.
When No Shave November first hit Evans Kabaka’s radar, it wasn’t because of awareness campaigns or charity drives. He was fresh out of high school, browsing Pinterest for beard inspiration, when he stumbled upon the hashtag #NoShaveNovember.
“At the time, it was purely a superficial compliment, a perfect excuse to show off my growing mane,” he says. “It made no immediate sense beyond being a fun, month-long beard challenge.”
That playful experiment, however, became something deeper. “I used to say, ‘Ndevu humea ukiheshimu wanawake,’” he recalls. “That was my first personal symbol linking outward ‘manliness’ to an inward commitment to respect and responsibility.”
But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, while flipping through old newspapers at his brother’s workshop, that Evans truly understood the bigger picture.
“I came across a piece explaining the Movember Foundation and its mission to address men’s health, mental well-being, and suicide prevention. That was my wake-up call. It wasn’t about looks anymore,” he says, “It became more entirely about the charity and the cause. It taught me that genuine ‘manliness’ means taking active care of yourself and your community.”
Since then, the 26-year-old photographer and creative graphic designer has used his online platforms to spark honest conversations around male well-being both physical and emotional health.
“I wouldn’t call myself a formal mental health advocate,” he clarifies. “I just share my perspective on things that matter, mental health being one of them. My goal is to make it relatable. When I talk about it, it’s not theory, it’s real life.”
Evans’ approach is deeply personal. His audience mostly consists of people from his hometown and school days, which gives his voice a familiar weight. “My followers know me,” he says. “They’ve seen my journey, so when I talk about these things, it feels less like a lecture and more like a conversation. Sharing online is less confrontational, but also more accessible as it allows my community to meet these topics through a familiar face.”
Beyond the Beard
Evans uses his voice to draw attention to men’s physical and mental health, particularly prostate and testicular cancer awareness. “These health risks don’t just affect men,” he notes. “They ripple through families, impacting women, children, everyone around. That’s why my conversations go beyond just men. I try to show how we can all support one another.”
His content balances awareness and accuracy, often backed by insight from a friend in medicine. “I’m lucky to have a doctor friend who specialises in this area,” he adds. “It helps me ensure what I share is credible and informed.”
The Silent Struggle
Yet, Evans admits that not all men are ready for such conversations. They acknowledge the struggle but don’t go deeper to share their own stories. “Health problems especially emotional ones are treated as private crises. Admitting you’re struggling feels like failing to fix something fast enough.”
He believes this mindset stems from how men are conditioned. “Men are taught to see every problem as something to solve. Talking about it feels unproductive or weak. And even when they do try, the reactions they get, either dismissal, impatience, judgement, can make it worse.”
For Evans, true change means shifting that culture. “I doubt there’s any other actionable support available for men who are struggling. Simply limited to a listening ear is not enough if the underlying expectation is that he should already be capable of handling it alone.”
Social Media: The Double-Edged Tool
Evans recognises the paradox of social media in this advocacy work.
“On one hand, it helps dismantle barriers by providing spaces for education, empathy, and community. But on the other, it amplifies traditional stereotypes, competition and judgement. Most men fear being misunderstood or ridiculed online, so silence feels safer.”
Even so, the digital space has given him meaningful connections and healing. “Once, I shared on X that I was going through a rough patch, and the response was overwhelming,” he recalls. “A filmmaker I had been following reached out and helped me through it. That moment reminded me of the same empathy I now try to give others. I became a direct beneficiary of what I advocate.”
Manhood, Mental Health, and Meaning
Evans admits he hasn’t struggled with any major mental health issues for a while now, though he does experience anxiety at times, something he’s learnt to manage.
Over time, he has developed a grounded sense of self-care. “Journaling helps me see things clearly,” he shares. “It helps me separate what’s within my control and what’s not. I also exercise regularly by the end of the day, I’m too tired to overthink. That routine keeps me balanced.”
He’s also intentional about challenging misconceptions in the mental health space. “I don’t believe opening up is always the solution,” he says. “Sometimes, a man just needs space to process before he talks. We also need to understand that not all mental health issues are the same. There’s a difference between neurological illness and situational struggle and I think we should try to understand the situation first before telling a man or anyone to ‘open up’”
If Every Man Could Do One Thing…
“If I could get every man to do one thing this Movember, I’d want them to be grown children. To laugh louder, talk more, share their joys, wins and their struggles. It’s cheaper than therapy and a lot more fun.”
And for everyone else; women, friends and families, his message is simple: “Support by caring out loud. Check in. Celebrate wins. Be present. Normalise care, for yourself, for others, not just this November , but all year round.”
Evans Kabaka’s story is a reminder that advocacy doesn’t always need a title. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation, or a social media post and grows into something bigger: a culture of care. In Evans’ world, masculinity isn’t about silence or stoicism; it’s about showing up, speaking up, and, above all, caring out loud.
READ ALSO: Breaking the Silence on the Complexities of Mental Health and Suicide
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