Maurice “keem” Kimani (born mid 2000s), I'm a Kenyan blogger and mental-wellness advocate, mainly focused on men’s mental health. I'm the creator of ByKeem, a blog that publishes mental-wellness content written in Kenyan Sheng, making it one of the first localized mental-health blogging platforms in Kenya tailored specifically for young men. My work combines personal storytelling with culturally relatable language to encourage openness, emotional awareness, and vulnerability among men.
I was born and raised in Central Kenya, in a semi-urban hood. Growing up in a multilingual environment where Sheng was widely spoken, I developed familiarity with Kenya’s urban youth culture and linguistic trends. I haven't really received any formal training in mental health, as at now; instead, my interest in emotional well-being developed from personal experiences and observations of gaps in mental-health awareness among young men in Kenya.
I began blogging in mid-2025, publishing my first article on ByKeem in June of the same year. My work primarily addresses topics related to men’s emotional struggles, mental resilience, relationships, masculinity, identity, and societal expectations. The blog uses Sheng as its primary language of communication, a stylistic choice intended to make mental-health conversations more accessible and less formal for young Kenyan men.
My writings draw heavily from personal experiences and lived realities rather than academic or clinical frameworks. Through reflective essays and commentary, I seek to normalize conversations around men’s mental health and challenge the stigma associated with emotional expression among Kenyan men.
Writing Style
My writing is characterized by:
• The use of Sheng as the main narrative voice
• Personal storytelling and anecdotal reflections
• A conversational tone designed for younger audiences
•Emphasis on vulnerability and emotional honesty
• Cultural references rooted in urban Kenyan life
My choice of Sheng sets ByKeem apart from traditional mental-health resources, which often use formal English or Swahili. This linguistic approach has contributed to my recognition among young readers who identify with the cultural authenticity of my content.
Advocacy and Impact
Although early in this movement, my work has been gaining attention among young Kenyan men who relate to my approach to mental health. Readers have credited the blog with providing relatable guidance and reassurance during emotional challenges. My content contributes to a broader shift toward open discussions on men’s mental well-being in Kenya.
I've got ongoing efforts to build a community around mental-health awareness, with plans to expand my digital engagement and create more interactive spaces for young men to discuss emotional wellness.
Contact
Peace ✌️
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