A key challenge in addressing mental health issues in Kenya is the lack of awareness around how these conditions manifest.
Although the country has made significant strides in raising mental
health awareness, the rate has not kept up with the rapidly raising
socio-economic pressures facing its populace. Depression, anxiety,
stress-related disorders, and substance abuse are on the rise, silently
wrecking communities already stretched thin.
The Psychological Toll of Economic Strain
Kenya’s inflation rate has remained stubbornly high in recent years, with food and fuel prices putting immense pressure on household budgets. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), inflation averaged 7.7% in 2024, driven largely by surging prices in transport, housing, and essential commodities.
For families estimated at over 16 million living below the poverty line,
this has meant missing meals, finding it difficult to pay for school fees, and
always worrying about the future. There is a considerable psychological cost.
“Patients are presenting with symptoms of depression and anxiety at unprecedented levels,” says Dr. Mercy Wambua, a psychiatrist at Kenyatta National Hospital. “We’re seeing more cases of suicide ideation, especially among young adults who feel hopeless about their economic prospects.”
Bad Governance and Political Intolerance
Beyond economic woes lies a more insidious contributor to national distress: political disenchantment. Repeated allegations of corruption, nepotism, and incompetence in public institutions have left many Kenyans feeling powerless and angry.
According to a recent Afrobarometer survey, 68% of Kenyans think their nation is going in the wrong way because of inadequate accountability and leadership. Many people now view the ballot as a source of constant disappointment rather than as a tool for change.
The 2022 general elections were marred by accusations of rigging and deep ethnic divisions, further eroding public trust in democratic institutions. Political rallies often devolve into hostile, tribal rhetoric, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.
“Living under constant political tension can cause chronic stress, especially when citizens feel they have no control over governance,” says Professor Peter Mwaura, a political psychologist at the University of Nairobi. “This level of disillusionment seeps into everyday life and affects mental well-being.”
Recognizing the Silent Struggle: Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders
A key challenge in addressing mental health issues in Kenya is the lack of awareness around how these conditions manifest. Many people suffer psychological anguish without realising that what they are experiencing could be a diagnosable mental health condition that can be treated.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that common mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are often not identified because of shame, misunderstandings in the culture, and a lack of access to professional care.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or
emptiness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in previously
enjoyed activities
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Fatigue, low energy, or insomnia
- Increased irritability, restlessness, or
aggression
- Social withdrawal and loss of motivation
- Substance misuse as a coping mechanism
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviours
Raising awareness of these signs is critical—especially in rural and
low-income communities where mental health literacy remains low. Early
recognition and intervention can prevent the escalation of symptoms and vastly
improve recovery outcomes.
The Social Cost: A Nation Under Pressure
The mental health effects are not just personal, they are societal. Kenya loses an estimated 50 million productive hours annually due to untreated mental illness, according to the Ministry of Health. Substance abuse is also growing, particularly in urban slums and informal settlements, as many turn to alcohol and drugs to escape their struggles.
Furthermore, the stigma around mental health remains deeply embedded in
cultural beliefs, leading to underreporting and inadequate care. Kenya has only
about 100 practicing psychiatrists for a population of over 50 million, an
alarming gap that underlines the magnitude of the crisis.
Lessons from Abroad: What Kenya Can Learn
Countries like Rwanda and Chile offer examples of how political will and community-driven initiatives can reverse mental health declines.
In Rwanda, mental health treatments were integrated into primary care as part of a post-genocide national trauma rehabilitation plan. Community-level training of local "mental health coordinators" greatly improved access and decreased stigma.
Chile, on the other hand, responded to its own mental health challenges by entrenching psychologists within public schools and clinics, making it easier for citizens to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment without cost barriers.
The two countries emphasise the importance of prioritising holistic
mental health care in national policy rather than treating it as an
afterthought.
The Way Forward: What Kenya Can Do
To address the growing crisis, Kenya needs a multi-faceted approach:
- Increase Funding and Access:
Mental health must be integrated into the universal health care agenda.
Investments in psychiatric training, rural outreach programs, and
subsidized care are essential.
- Community-Based Solutions:
Train local leaders and health workers in basic mental health support,
like the Rwandan model, so that care reaches the grassroots.
- Address the Root Causes:
Mental health policy cannot exist in isolation. Tackling corruption,
joblessness, and tribal politics is just as critical. Inclusive governance
and economic reforms are necessary for any real progress.
- De-stigmatize Mental Illness:
Launch national campaigns using respected public figures to speak openly
about mental health. Cultural taboos must be broken through education and
honest dialogue.
- Youth Engagement: With over 75% of Kenya’s population under 35, creating meaningful employment and participatory civic platforms for youth can redirect frustration into constructive change.
A National Wake-Up Call
The predicament is no longer at the doorstep it’s in the living room. Left unchecked, the mental health burden threatens to undermine Kenya’s social fabric and future productivity. Yet, with deliberate action, inspired leadership, and community resilience, Kenya can reduce the tide.
The time to act is now not just for the sake of those silently
suffering, but for the well-being and stability of the country.
Dr Onchonga (pictured) is a public health practitioner, researcher and educator.
