This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On July 16, 2019, a Nation article highlighted the growing concern of mental health issues in Kenya, citing a recent surge in reported cases of suicides and crimes of passion.
One such case involved former Isukha MCA Richard Muchesia, who allegedly shot his wife Florence Okwach at their home in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County. Another case reported in Thome, off Thika Road, involved a woman who killed her husband, strangled their two children, and committed suicide.
These tragic events are not isolated incidents. On April 9, Moi University final year medicine student Ivy Wangeci was allegedly hacked to death at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret by her estranged lover.
According to a study conducted by the Nation, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people aged 15-29 in Kenya. The research also revealed that one out of four people suffer a mental disorder at some point in their lives, with Kenya ranking sixth in Africa with about two million people grappling with depression.
The inadequate aid and backing for the mental health sector in Kenya is a major concern. There are only 62 psychiatrists in the country, and no budget for mental health as is the case in the other 193 member states of the World Health Organisation.
Nominated Senator Sylvia Kasanga has sponsored a bill to amend the Mental Health Act, but a coherent and reasonable remedy has yet to be forthcoming.
It is imperative that the government takes a more strategic approach to addressing the mental health crisis in Kenya. Basic truth does not change – suicide is not the solution to troubles, and the dogmatic mindset and sense of entitlement must end.
