SOS: Counsellors needed to prevent Bomet suicides

Suicide cases are increasing in Bomet county and the head of disaster management wants urgent intervention.

Stanley Mutai said parents, church leaders and others must come together and find solutions to the "worrying trend" that has claimed many lives, especially young ones.

He cited depression, unemployment, poverty and family issues. These are caused or exacerbated by Covid-19.

Frequent counselling to help people handle their feelings is the only way out, he said.

“We should have counselors in every location so they can help supplement the work of church leaders and other stakeholders," Mutai said.

At least 30 suicides have been recorded in Bomet in eight months. 

Of these, 14 are youth aged between 15 and 25 years; the others are aged 30 to 40 years and some are elderly. 

A week ago, a 25-year-old college student from Burgei village in Sotik hanged himself under unclear circumstances.

About two weeks earlier a 20-year-old Form 4 student from Solyot village in Bomet Central took his own life.

The deceased, a KCSE exam candidate left a note saying he was depressed and his parents were not the source of his problems.

More males than females commit suicide. A recent survey indicates that 90 per cent of mental health and suicides are reported in men.

About 51 per cent are single, the rest are married or are in relationships.

(Edited by V. Graham)