A youth from Naivasha David Mwangi Magia has spoken out about the silent discrimination facing many young Kenyans who aspire to join the police service or the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) but are turned away due to dental conditions linked to fluorosis.

‎‎Mwangi says dental fluorosis often marked by discoloured or damaged teeth has denied many youths a chance to serve the country, despite meeting all other recruitment requirements.

‎‎Speaking about his own experience, he reveals that he lost a job opportunity last year after failing a medical assessment because of the condition.

‎‎“It was my first time applying, and I was hopeful,” Mwangi says. “But when I was rejected because of my teeth, I felt bad and discouraged. It made me feel like opportunities are only for those who don’t have this condition.”

‎‎The experience pushed Mwangi to take action, inspiring him to do a tree hugging challenge, aimed at drawing national attention to the struggles of people affected by fluorosis.

‎‎He says the challenge, which lasted 120 hours, was physically and emotionally draining, especially amid discouragement from some quarters. Nevertheless, completing it gave him renewed purpose.

David Mwangi Magia during the tree hugging challenge for 120 hours.

Photo credit: COURTESY

‎‎“I went through a lot, but breaking that record made me feel good. I wanted my message to reach home and to reach the nation,” he says.

‎‎Beyond the challenge, Mwangi has also initiated a petition, currently being signed by residents, seeking intervention by the National Assembly and the Senate to address discrimination linked to fluorosis-related dental conditions.

‎‎He notes that the petition process is ongoing and has received encouraging public support.

‎‎For years, residents of Naivasha and its environs have suffered from dental fluorosis due to high fluoride levels in drinking water. The condition not only affects physical appearance but also opportunities for many young people.

‎‎In response to the water quality challenge, the Naivasha Water and Sanitation Company (NAIVAWASCO) is implementing a defluoridation project at one of its production sites in Karati.

‎‎Through this initiative, water with high fluoride levels is passed through vessels containing Hydroxyl Apatite (HAP), a material with a high affinity for fluoride ions, allowing excess fluoride to be removed under high pressure.

‎‎Prolonged consumption of water with high fluoride content can cause serious health problems. Dental fluorosis is characterised by brown-stained teeth, while skeletal fluorosis presents early symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness.

‎‎NAIVAWASCO says controlling water quality through proper treatment and defluoridation is critical in preventing fluorosis. The company maintains that the difluoridation project is designed to ensure the supply of safe, quality water, safeguard public health, and fulfil its mandate as a water service provider.

‎‎Although Mwangi says he does not intend to reapply for police recruitment next year, he remains committed to advocating for affected communities.

‎muthoniw813@gmail.com

“Dental fluorosis cost me police job” Naivasha man speaks after completing 120-hour tree hugging challenge

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Muthoni Wanjiku