In this social media day and age, there are a lot of videos and content on toxic masculinity and how to be an alpha male.

But what exactly is masculinity and what's considered healthy masculinity?

Yesterday afternoon, Player's Theatre held a forum dubbed Kitabu Fest which covered all things masculinity.

Panelists at Kitabu Fest held in Nakuru players' theatre on December 10, 2023.

Photo credit: DILIGENCE ODONGO| MTAA WANGU

The event was graced by clinical psychotherapist Chomba Njoka and the main speaker, Silas Nyanchwani, known by many for his book, '50 Memos to Men.'

As the budding young feminist I am, I attended the event with my walls up having assumed that this event was like the unhealthy content on masculinity that there is out on social media.

Much to my shock, this forum was not about men sharing what they expected from women, but on men speaking up on experiences they have had (good and bad), the burden of societal expectations and the right and healthy ways to shoulder those burdens.

Keeping true to the event's name, Kitabu Fest, the speakers at the event who also double as authors, read excerpts of their books which they then dissected and turned into discussions.

The forum was a very interactive one whereby members of the public were open to disagree with the speakers while sharing what their personal opinion was.

My biggest take away from the forum was when Silas shared, "The right masculinity is patriarchy that caters for everyone. Think of a good father who is loving, caring, and firm in discipline. On the other hand, toxic masculinity is when men use their masculine privilege wrongly. The refusal to use their maleness to the service of the community."

During an interlude to the heavy and healthy conversations, Nash the Musician and Wambui the Poet took the stage.

Nash performed a cover of 'Ain't no sunshine when she's gone' while Wambui the Poet's delivered a deep and reflective poem on the challenges the boy child faces, a poem that left everyone snapping.

Kitabu Fest founder, Peter Oduor.

Photo credit: DILIGENCE ODONGO/MTAA WANGU

In an exclusive interview with Mtaa Wangu, Kitabu Fest's founder, Peter Oduor shared, "I was pleasantly surprised at the great turnout at the event today since this was the first Kitabu Fest forum. I was expecting 30 guests but much to my surprise, 62 people showed up. It's encouraging to see young people willing to come together and fully participate in conversations regarding matters affecting them."

While speaking on future plans by Kitabu Fest, he shared that this is only the beginning of forums where Nakuru's youth can meet up and have healthy discussions with experts in the various fields.

"We are planning on making Kitabu Fest even bigger and better for next year. All who plan on attending should come ready to learn, a lot," he concludes.

diligenceodongo@gmail.com

Kitabu Fest: An afternoon of books, men and good conversation

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Diligence Odongo