More than 300 corporate professionals in Kenya recently gathered at a dinner forum hosted by Avorcap Asset Managers to discuss workplace and personal challenges. The event, part of Avorcap's Men’s Wellness Summit 2026 initiative, provided a platform for participants to share their experiences in an informal setting. Discussions focused on issues such as low pay, demanding schedules, stalled career growth, and difficult workplace relationships.
The forum included an anonymous open-mic session, allowing attendees to raise concerns without fear of professional repercussions. Participants questioned expectations around working on Saturdays, inadequate compensation, and workplace relationships. Some shared experiences that led to their decisions to leave previous jobs, citing limited opportunities for professional growth, harassment, and difficult personal experiences.
A panel comprising clinical psychologist Nancy Kihara, Executive Human Capital Strategist Swaleh Shariff, and Certified HR Professional Sharon Otiende responded to questions raised during the session. The experts examined workplace culture, career advancement, human behavior, and the effects of unaddressed workplace stress on mental health and relationships.
According to Shariff, conversations on wellness should take into account pressures beyond physical health. He emphasized that true wellness cannot only focus on physical health; it must address financial strain, career expectations, and identity.
The discussions highlighted the extent to which pressures associated with earning a livelihood and advancing a career can extend beyond the workplace and affect personal relationships and emotional wellbeing. The event underscored the need for mental health initiatives to move beyond awareness campaigns and create spaces where people can speak openly, feel heard, and access practical support.
Avorcap's Men's Wellness Summit 2026 initiative aims to create regular platforms for men to discuss their challenges. The event forms part of preparations for the third edition of the Men’s Wellness Summit scheduled for November 28, 2026.
Avorcap is also scheduled to take the initiative to Kamiti Prison on October 10 as it continues its programme focused on men’s physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. The forum demonstrated the importance of addressing workplace stress and low pay to promote overall wellbeing.
Key points
- Over 300 corporate professionals in Kenya discussed workplace pressures at a recent forum.
- The event highlighted the need for mental health initiatives to address financial strain and career expectations.
- Avorcap's Men's Wellness Summit 2026 initiative aims to create regular platforms for men to discuss their challenges.
