This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
On Monday, July 13, 2020, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe shared a poignant story of losing his best friend to mental illness, a tragedy that has left a lasting impact on his life.
The two friends had grown up together in Nyeri and were inseparable until the moment Kagwe's best man passed away after battling mental illness-related issues for several years.
CS Kagwe revealed that he had watched his friend deteriorate over the years, recalling how he had been hospitalised in the '90s and had become a regular visitor, bringing food and offering support.
Although he chose not to disclose his friend's name, Kagwe shared how his best friend had achieved great success before his mental illness took hold, including securing a scholarship to study engineering in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Tragically, his friend's years at a multi-national company were his last productive years, as he spent the rest of his life battling mental issues.
CS Kagwe laid his friend to rest recently, describing him as 'a brilliant guy.'
His story comes as Kenya's Taskforce on Mental Health handed a report to the Ministry of Health on July 8, urging CS Kagwe and President Uhuru Kenyatta to declare mental illness a national public health emergency.
The task force, which had been tasked with coming up with new policies to address growing concerns about mental health among Kenyans, recommended the setting up of a special commission to monitor the state of mental health and happiness among Kenyans, the Mental Wellness and Happiness Commission.
According to the report, one in every 10 Kenyans suffers from one form of mental disorder, with depression and anxiety disorders being the most common, followed by substance use disorders.
Kenya's mental health crisis has been attributed to factors such as high levels of stress due to lack of jobs, constant negative politics, and fear of violent and divisive elections.
