This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
As of Tuesday, COVID-19 cases in Kenya had reached 8,250, with the pandemic taking a devastating toll on the country's mental health.
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, one in every 10 Kenyans suffers from a common mental disorder, and the number increases to one in every four people among patients attending routine outpatient services.
The pandemic has exacerbated psychosocial issues, leading to increased gender-based violence and family strife, as revealed by Kagwe.
He cited a report from the Taskforce on Mental Health, which outlined the status of mental health in the country and provided recommendations.
Alcohol abuse is a significant contributor to substance use-related illnesses in Kenya, with the majority of cases occurring among young people aged 18-29, as per the report.
The country's suicide mortality rate stands at 5.6 per 100,000 people, ranking Kenya 29th globally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Kenya's mental healthcare bed capacity is 1,600, with 400 beds in the private sector. There are four public facilities providing treatment and rehabilitation services for substance use disorders, as well as 14 county hospitals with mental health units offering specialized care.
Dr. Frank Njenga, chair of the taskforce, expressed concern about the stigma associated with mental illness, stating that people are often afraid to seek help due to shame and fear of being judged.
