OFF February in Nairobi, Kenya.

Since its very first edition in 2026, OFF February has reached no fewer than 54 countries across five continents.

This momentum has been made possible thanks to a growing network of 60 partner organisations, actively promoting the initiative in their regions.

Today, we would like to highlight the remarkable work of Digital Health and Education Network Kenya [DHEN-K] in bringing OFF February to life locally.

Their actions have included offline gatherings to reflect on the impact of social media on our lives, activities for young people to reconnect with life beyond screens, and strong media engagement across the country.

A special thank you to their inspiring team, led by Charity simwenyi and Calvin Odera.

Why Kenya?

Because, contrary to common assumptions in the West, the country has been deeply affected by digital hyperconnection over the past decade.

By the end of 2025:

➼ 77.5 million mobile connections for a population of 57 million.

➼ 85% with broadband access.

➼ An average of 3h43 spent daily on social media, 56% above the global average.

Unfortunately, Kenya also beats another record: children are given their first smartphone below age 9.

What’s most striking when one looks at global statistics both about mental health and tech trends since 2010 are the similitudes rather thank differences.

No country is immune to digital hyperconnection and its impact on mental health, sociability and overall well-being.

This is precisely why OFF February was conceived as a global initiative from the outset – and why it has taken off so quickly.

Because people are not just increasingly suffering from the overdigitisation of their lives: they are also demanding for a change, everywhere.