State of mental health in Kenya

Did you know that 1 in every 4 Kenyans is likely to suffer from a mental disorder at some point in life?

Mental health has historically been a neglected issue in Africa. Faced with many challenges including poverty, corruption, infectious diseases, cancer, political conflict and ethnicity, African leaders and international development agencies frequently overlook the importance of mental health.

A report by the world health organization (W.H.O) ranked Kenyans as the 6^th most depressed country in Africa. The report indicates that 4.4% of the Kenyan population is depressed. This would mean that 1.8 million Kenyans are depressed. A review of the heath records by the office of the auditor general reveals that as at 2015 there were 92 psychiatrists in the country instead of the 1533 required. Similarly there were 327 psychiatric nurses instead of 7666.

In December 2014, there were 3956 government owned health centers providing general health services across the country. However, besides mathari national referral hospital, mental health services are only available in 29 of the 284 hospitals in level 4 and above the referral chain representing just 10%of total facilities in level 4 and .7% of the 3956 government owned health centers.

5 in 6 Kenyans with mental health illness do not receive treatment.

4 in 5 Kenyans who commit suicide are depressed at the time of death. Suicide is ranked 2^nd leading cause of death among young people aged 10-29 globally.

Mental health affects all facets of life. Improving mental health is a means to unlocking development potential. Mental health is both a means to a happier healthier nation a means TO social and economic development.