• It all starts with a paradigm shift and then investing in facilities
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On June 1, 2019, former President Uhuru Kenyatta indicated in his official Madaraka Day speech that the country was facing a mental health crisis. He ordered the Ministry of Health to implement programmes and policies to address the problem.
The mental health task force was inaugurated on December 11. Co-chaired by Dr Frank Njenga, they came up with Kenya Mental Health Action Plan (2021-25).
According to the task force, 25 per cent of outpatients and 40 per cent of inpatients in different health facilities had a mental illness. In addition, there was an estimated prevalence of psychosis stated as 1 per cent of the general population.
The common mental illnesses in Kenya are depression and suicide, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychoses.
During one of the visits by the task force on February 14, 2020 at Mathari Hospital, the team observed there wasn't a single injectable emergency drug available, and a psychotic patient in need of emergency care received none.
Rural areas are challenged by not having adequate healthcare centres to cater for patients with mental illness. The medication is also expensive in addition to doctor appointments.
With some mental health conditions, like schizophrenia, one may require lifelong treatment.
Image: DENIS GATUMA
The perception that someone being taken to Mathari Mental Hospital ‘amekua mwendawazimu' is another reason why families keep their loved ones at home, which is rather unfortunateDr Frida Kameti
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It costs between Sh2,500 and Sh5,000 per session, depending on the hospital, to see a psychiatrist. Some end up missing appointments due to lack of transport as healthcare centres are not nearer to them.
"Being able to have programmes even in the most remote areas will help in the management of mental illness," Kameti said.
"Having a nurse in clinics within villages trained on mental wellness, will enable them to provide services instead of one travelling to Nairobi for the same."
WHO estimates that 5 per cent of adults suffer from depression, and more than 700,000 people die due to suicide every year. In addition, suicide is the leading cause of death among 15-29-year olds, while 77 per cent of global suicides occur in low and middle-income countries.
Dr Frida Kameti, a clinical psychologist at Santé-Reva medical centre, says, "There are many stories of people with mental illness that don't get heard but are happening. The stigma sorrounding mental health is the reason people don't come out to seek help."
Adding, "The perception that someone being taken to Mathari Mental Hospital ‘amekua mwendawazimu' is another reason why families keep their loved ones at home, which is rather unfortunate."
WHO estimates that for every shilling invested in mental health, the return is five shillings.
Earlier this month at Kirubia Stadium, Tharaka Nithi county, Health CS Nakhumicha Wafula said the ministry is developing a mental health policy that will help curb issues of mental health mostly arising from drugs and alcohol addiction.
"Until we start treating mental health like any other ailment, we'll continue to have that stigma."