This archive report was first published on 24 November 2019.
On Madaraka Day, President Uhuru Kenyatta directed the Ministry of Health to develop policies to tackle mental health problems. This directive marked a renewed focus on mental health in Kenya.
At the first national mental health conference, government officials made a commitment to push forward the national mental health agenda. This commitment is a significant step towards improving mental health in the country.
One of the key measures announced at the conference was the grant of semi-autonomous status to Mathari Hospital. This decision is a positive step towards improving mental health care in Kenya.
However, more needs to be done to implement the mental health policy launched a couple of years ago. The Mental Health Act of 1989 needs to be revised, and amendments to the Penal Code are required to decriminalise symptoms of mental illness.
Section 226 of the Penal Code declares attempted suicide a criminal offence, making it difficult for people to seek help when they have suicidal thoughts. It is time for the National Assembly to repeal this section and similar statutes that worsen the pain of mentally ill people.
Resources need to be allocated to set up national and county-level structures to implement the mental health policy. This includes training, recruiting, and deploying mental health workers, allocating resources for research, and establishing mental health services across the country.
It is time for the government to put its money where its mouth is and take concrete steps to improve mental health in Kenya.
Lukoye Atwoli is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Moi University School of Medicine.
