The Many Faces of Mental Health in Kenya

THE MANY FACES OF
M E N TA L H E A LT H
I N K E N YA
F O R E W O R D BY
SENATOR SYLVIA KASANGA

ABBREVIATIONS
CHW - COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
CHV - COMMUNITY HEALTH VOLUNTEER
TB - TUBERCULOSIS
UHC - UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE
UNCRPD - U
NITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
WHO - WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
CONTRIBUTORS
THE STORIES
ELIZABETH – SUPPORT CAREGIVERS
MARY – IN THE 30S WITH PSYCHOSOCIAL DISABILITY
MARY A.K.A JAMES – INTERSEX STORY
MAUREEN – IN A DARK PLACE
MOHA - EARLY 20’S WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
MURIU - WRONGLY IMPRISONED
NDUNGU – EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
OKOTH – TEENAGER WITH HIDDEN DREAMS
PASQUELINE - POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION EXPERIENCE
PAUL – HEARING VOICES
RYAN – POST TRAUMATIC STRESS STORY
SYBIL – BEING ALONE
WAIRIMU – MY BIPOLAR EXPERIENCE
SENATOR VOICES
SENATOR ALI FARHIYA HAJI
SENATOR CHERUIYOT AARON KIPKIRUI
SENATOR HALAKE ABSHIRO SOKA
SENATOR (DR.) INIMAH GETRUDE MUSURUVE
SENATOR KABAKA BONIFACE MUTINDA
SENATOR KAJWANG’ MOSES OTIENO
SENATOR (ARCH.) KASANGA SYLVIA MUENI
SENATOR KIHIKA SUSAN WAKARURA
SENATOR KILONZO MUTULA JUNIOR
SENATOR (DR.) LANGAT CHRISTOPHER ANDREW
SENATOR LEDAMA OLEKINA
SENATOR LOKORIO PETRONILLA WERE
SENATOR MALALA CLEOPHAS
SENATOR (DR.) MILGO ALICE CHEPKORIR
SENATOR MUGO BETH WAMBUI
SENATOR MWAURA ISAAC
SENATOR NYAMUNGA ROSE OGENDO
S TOR (PROF.) ONGERI SAMSON KEGENGO
SENATOR POGHISIO SAMUEL LOSURON
SENATOR SAKAJA JOHNSON ARTHUR
SENATOR WAQO NAOMI JILO
SENATOR WETANGULA MOSES MASIKA
SENATOR (DR.) ZANI AGNES PHILOMENA
EXPERT OPINIONS
DR. CATHERINE SYENGO MUTISYA – PSYCHIATRIST
DR. ELIZABETH KAMUNDIA – DISABILITY FOCAL POINT
DR. LIZ NGARACHU – PSYCHIATRIST
DR. LUCY MUKURIA – PSYCHOLOGIST
DR. LYDIA K. MATOKE – HERBALIST
DR. MOHAMED IBRAHIM – FORMER PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
DR. RICK WOLTHUSEN – MEDICAL DOCTOR (PSYCHIATRY)
DR. RUTH MWAURA – CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
DR. THOMAS AUSTIN OBULUTSA – PSYCHOLOGIST
DR. WILLIAM SINKELE – DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
FELICIA MBURU - KENYAN LAWYER & ADVOCATE
NANCY WANJIRU – COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST
PASTOR HENRY WAWERU – COUNSELOR/THEOLOGIAN
2 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

06 EXECUTIVE
16
04 08
SUMMARY
STORIES
FOREWORD
APPRECIATION
ACKNOWL ED GEMENT
22 SENATOR VOICES
10 13
INTRODUCTION
COMMON
DEFINITIONS IN
MENTAL HEALTH
COMMUNITY
27
BASED HEALTHCARE
32
RAISING
AWARENESS
15
MENTAL HEALTH
PROFESSIONALS
AND WORKERS
38
EXPERT OPINIONS
45
STAKEHOLDER
54 56
CONCLUSION ANNEX
STATEMENTS
T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 3

FOREWORD
IN THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF
THIS BOOK, MY MAIN AIM WAS TO
SHARE AND AMPLIFY THE VOICES OF
SENATORS, AS SUBMITTED DURING THE
SENATE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES ON
THE MENTAL HEALTH (AMENDMENT)
BILL, 2018 HELD BETWEEN MAY AND
JUNE 2019.
As time went by, this view based solutions to addressing

was relatively expanded mental health issues in
to accommodate a more Kenya, and utilize voices of
practical and inclusive leaders to reduce stigma.
approach to presenting the
insights and involvements My hope is that the publication
of all stakeholders, whom shall be accessible to all
I have regularly consulted Kenyans… and can help
and worked with. people in need! Feel free to THE SOLE PURPOSE OF
use the list of contact details
I humbly appreciate all as well as a hotline shared, to THE HANDBOOK IS: TO
interactions with; persons reach out; be it for yourself,
RAISE AWARENESS OF
with mental health conditions a family member, a friend,
and their respective colleague,… It ok not to be ok! THE PUBLIC ON MENTAL
representatives, medical
health practitioners, civil Finally, I dedicate this book
HEALTH CONDITIONS,
society organizations, the to all those who have ADVOCATE FOR
various institutions and devoted their personal
individuals working on the and professional life to the COMMUNITY BASED
mental health space in Kenya, improvement of mental health
SOLUTIONS TO
as well as the general public services in Kenya, and most
for candid conversations that importantly to my friend and ADDRESSING MENTAL
assisted to improve or make colleague Wairimu Mwangi…
this publication what it is today. “Rest In Peace Love”! HEALTH ISSUES IN
KENYA, AND UTILIZE
The sole purpose of the
handbook is: to raise VOICES OF LEADERS
awareness of the public on SENATOR SYLVIA
mental health conditions, MUENI KASANGA TO REDUCE STIGMA.”
advocate for community

EXECUTIVE As you read this publication, our Throughout this publication
hope is that your understanding we aim to increase your
SUMMARY
of matters mental health is capacity to access mental
elevated. We intend to use healthcare service providers.
There is no health without the voices of our leaders to We encourage you to reach
mental health. This bold and champion for reform and out and seek help from our
profound statement is at the reduce the stigma associated mental healthcare service
heart of this mental health with mental health conditions. providers. It is ok, not to be ok!
publication. Through different We would also like to amplify the
stakeholder voices we get importance of taking care of Finally, the crucial role of
a glimpse into the different our mental health and wellness legislation cannot be overstated.
perspectives on mental health. individually and collectively. We therefore envision a
This publication seeks to shed We intend to destigmatize, legislation that is compatible
light on a crucial health matter reclaim and deepen your and responsive to the unique
that has been spoken about empathy toward people living needs of mental health. Let
in whispers for far too long. with mental health conditions. us call for a system which
supports mental health for all.

SPECIAL MENTION GOES TO THE
APPRECIATION
PUBLICATION AND EDITORIAL TEAM
COMPRISING OF: FELICIA MBURU,
MERCY ROP, STACY PARTINGTON,
SYLVIA YIANTET KOOKE, WARINGA
WAGEMA, BRIGHT SHITEMI, EDWARD
KAKUMU, PAUL WAKIRI KAUKU, JASON
BRUCKNER AND VITALIS KIGAI FOR
THEIR COMMITMENT AND EXPERTISE
TOWARDS THE SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY
OF THIS PUBLICATION.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Deep gratitude goes to leadership in conceptualizing Special mention is reserved
Senator Sylvia Kasanga, the design and layout of the for all the actors who gave
MP for conceptualizing this manuscript – all at no cost! commentaries and validated
publication. Her passion and the content that made
dedication remains evident in Sincerest thanks to Validity this publication possible;
the quest to champion reforms Foundation for dedicating including: people who shared
in the mental health sector. valuable resources, time and lived experiences, industry
energy toward development experts, Senators and State
Profound appreciation goes to of the publication. and Non-State institutions.
Mr. Eric Mukoya, the Executive
Director of Legal Resources Heartfelt appreciation to the Asante sana! to Open
Foundation Trust (LRF) for giving Kenya National Commission Society Foundations (OSF) for
impetus to the process through on Human Rights (KNCHR) providing financial support
provision of technical support on whose shoulders was towards the development
at a very nascent stage. hinged the duty to coordinate of the Publication.
players in the mental
Special thanks and mention health sector. A duty that
to Mr. Jason Bruckner of was executed with utmost
Headspace254 for his dedication and diligence.

1 0 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The World Health Organization (WHO) Annual
The current state of mental health in Kenya
Report (2017), ranks Kenya as sixth among African
has been discerning. It is estimated that
countries with highest rates of depression (at 1.9
six million1 Kenyans suffer from common
million cases). Interestingly, the Ministry of Health
mental conditions such as depression,
reveals that it is hard to extract clear records of the
substance abuse, stress and anxiety.
number of people affected by the different forms
of depression (in Kenya) because many people do
not seek help and simply conceal their condition2.
Stigma has played the in the sector, and their and the right to live in the
significant role in how mental respective contact details. community on an equal basis
health is addressed in It also includes a subtle way with others under Article 19.
Kenya; grossly underfunded, forward in as far as expediting
unavailable and inaccessible appropriate reforms. Other instruments include
services, discrimination, lack of and not limited to; Universal
proper governance structures, 1.1 MENTAL HEALTH Declaration on Human Rights,
and lack of qualified personnel LEGAL ANALYSIS: the International Covenant
with relevant skills. Moreover, on Economic, Social and
people treat mental illness 1.1.1 INTERNATIONAL Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the
as a spiritual rather than a LEGAL FRAMEWORK Convention on the Rights
medical condition, as such, By virtue of Articles 2(5) of Persons with Disabilities
many victims go untreated3. and (6) of the Constitution (CRPD), the Convention on
of Kenya, the country the Rights of the Child (CRC),
Noting that the Mental has committed through the African Charter on Human
Health (Amendment) Bill ratification and sometimes and Peoples’ Rights (ACPHR),
2018, objects to address domestication to pursue and the Protocol to the African
mental health related stigma; promote the general rules of Charter on the Rights of
this publication’s main international law, treaty or Persons with Disabilities and the
objective, is to reduce stigma convention. These provisions African Charter on the Rights
on mental health related dictate the application of and Welfare of the Child.
conditions in Kenya through: the best standards set by
• increasing knowledge international law principles. 1.1.2 DOMESTIC LEGAL
and awareness on mental FRAMEWORK
health conditions, and The right to mental health Article 28 of the Constitution
is expressly provided for in provides for the right to
• advocating for improved
international and regional dignity, whilst Article 43 (1)(a)
comprehensive mental
human rights instruments that prescribes that every person
health structures
Kenya has ratified. These is entitled to the “highest
include, Convention on Rights attainable standard of
Duly, the publication compiles;
for Persons with Disabilities health” including the right to
a substantive legal analysis,
(CRPD), which enshrines the health care services. Further,
various forms of mental health
right to legal capacity under Article 27(4) prohibits direct
conditions, lived experiences,
Article 12, equal access or indirect discrimination by
expert opinions, senate
to justice for persons living the government because of
voices, a list of stakeholders
with disabilities Article 13 health status and disability.
1
https://www.sde.co.ke/thenairobian/article/2000160615/revealed-why-there-is-an-alarming-rise-of-mental-cases-in-kenya
2
https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Youth-in-the-crosshairs-as-depression-takes-silent-toll/1056-4548558-3no738z/index.html
3
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/04/taboo-mental-illness-kenya-160406093345546.htm

In line with this, Article 54 of the offenders with mental health
Constitution provides for the conditions are admitted to
rights of persons with disabilities, medical institutions; Article
which includes person with 29(f) protects every person
mental health conditions. This with mental illness from being
is because in some instances, treated or punished in a cruel,
mental health conditions can inhumane and degrading
result in either substantial or manner. Further Section 38
long-term effects fall within of the current Mental Health
the category of disabilities. Act requires the court to sit in
camera when such persons
Under Article 260, the are before the Court.
Constitution defines disability
to refer to inter – alia mental, The Mental Health Act focuses
psychological, or other on in-patient admission
impairments that have a and provides for prohibition
substantial or long-term of ill-treatment in hospital
effect on an individual’s including how to examine
ability to carry out ordinary females. However, issues such
day-to-day activities. as consent to treatment,
confidentiality, access to
It is against this backdrop information, and conditions
that Article 54 (1)(a) provides in mental health facilities
that persons with disabilities are not addressed at all.
are entitled to be treated
with dignity and respect and The Mental Health
addressed and referred to in a (Amendment) Bill 2018 inter alia
manner that is not demeaning. provides for the right to mental
The Constitution further entitles health care and provides that
such persons to access when providing for mental
educational institutions and health care, priority be made
facilities that are integrated for community health and
into society to the extent primary mental health care
compatible with the will and and treatment as opposed to
preference of the person. institutionalization of persons
with mental health conditions. ARTICLE 28 OF THE
Further, Articles 49 and 50
CONSTITUTION PROVIDES
provide for the rights of In conclusion the legal
arrested persons and right to framework is not elaborate FOR THE RIGHT TO
fair hearing. Due to current on the Protection of the rights
development in criminal law, of persons with mental health
DIGNITY, WHILST ARTICLE
there is an on-going process conditions. The Constitution 43 (1)(A) PRESCRIBES
to ensure offenders with of Kenya gives room for
mental health conditions application of international THAT EVERY PERSON
have a right to fair hearing. laws which set the minimum
standards on issues of mental
IS ENTITLED TO THE
Finally, with respect to persons health and disability including “HIGHEST ATTAINABLE
with mental health conditions offenders with mental health
receiving in-patient care conditions. There is a need to STANDARD OF HEALTH”
in health facilities, Article review our legal framework to
INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO
29(a) enshrines the right of be in line with the Constitution
every person to freedom of Kenya and regional/ HEALTH CARE SERVICES”.
of liberty. In cases where international standards.

1.2 COMMON MENTAL
HEALTH DEFINITIONS
IN KENYA
The lingo used among mental health professionals of the words and roles of the mental health
and workers can be overwhelming to internalize. professionals and workers will heighten empathy
We would like to demystify some of these words and enrich on compassion for people living with
as well as common mental health conditions that mental health conditions, and their loved ones.
affect Kenyans. Understanding the meaning
1.2.1 HEALTH then that person may also way an individual learns,
be said to have a disability. communicates and undertakes
This is a state where you
everyday activities. It is a
experience health, happiness,
1.2.4 MENTAL HEALTH developmental condition
social connection and growth.
present at birth or may
It includes having good mental Mental health is a state of
develop during childhood.
health, life satisfaction, and a emotional, physical, social and
sense of meaning or purpose. psychological well-being in
1.2.6.1 SYMPTOMS OF
which an individual fulfills his
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY:
1.2.2 NORM or her own abilities, can cope
with normal day to day stress Persons with intellectual
This is something that is
of life, can work productively, disabilities often need help
considered usual, typical, or
and is able to contribute with everyday activities.
standard and may vary from
to his or her community. They may have difficulty in
community to community.
telling time, remembering
1.2.5 MENTAL HEALTH things, recognizing value of
1.2.3 DISABILITY
CONDITIONS things such as money, and/
According to the Constitution or going to places may
According to WHO, this is a
of Kenya, disability includes require a supporting person
health condition characterized
any physical, sensory, mental, because of memory loss.
by alterations in thinking mood,
psychological or other
or behavior associated with
impairment, condition or However, with the right support
distress or interference with
illness that has, or is perceived they can live full and active life.
personal functions. There
by significant sectors of In the absence of such support,
are two broad categories of
the community to have, a persons with intellectual
mental health conditions;
substantial or long-term effect disabilities are likely to face
on an individual’s ability to • Intellectual Disability barriers in living their daily
carry out ordinary day to • Psycho-social Disability lives. Examples of intellectual
day activities (Article 260). disabilities include: cerebral
Therefore, if someone has a 1.2.6 WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL palsy, down syndrome, fetal
psychological condition or DISABILITY: alcohol syndrome, persons on
a mental illness that impacts the autism spectrum, ADHD,
the person’s ability to carry An intellectual disability is a
brain damage, among others.
out his/her daily activities, condition that affects the

1.2 COMMON MENTAL HEALTH DEFINITIONS (CONTINUED)
1.2.7 WHAT IS PSYCHO- psychological. Important to

SOCIAL DISABILITY: note is that the person should
describe their symptoms.
Psychosocial disability,
in general terms refers to For instance (See Stories
the social consequences by “Wairimu” No. 2.4
and the way that your life and “Paul” No. 2.5)
is impacted due to the
existence of a mental illness. 1.2.9 OTHERS COMMON
Some examples include: MENTAL ILLNESSES IN KENYA:
• Schizoid disorders such

1.2.9.1 POST-PARTUM
as schizophrenia and
DEPRESSION
schizoaffective disorder
Post-partum depression is a
• Anxiety disorders such
type of depression suffered by
as obsessive-compulsive
a mother following childbirth,
disorder, post-traumatic
typically arising from the
stress disorder, agoraphobia
combination of hormonal
and social phobia
changes, psychological
• Mood disorders such as adjustment to motherhood,
major and dysthymic and fatigue. Some symptoms
depression and bipolar include; sadness, changes
• Eating disorders such as in sleeping and eating
bulimia, anorexia, obesity patterns, low energy,
related conditions. anxiety, and irritability.
• Drugs and alcohol
related mental illness 1.2.9.2 BURNOUT
It is a state of emotional,
1.2.8 SYMPTOMS OF PSYCHO-
physical and mental exhaustion
SOCIAL DISABILITY:
caused by excessive,
Psycho-social disabilities prolonged and unmanaged
manifest themselves in various stress. It occurs when you feel
ways which are unique to overwhelmed, emotionally
each individual. They may drained and unable to
be physical, emotional or meet constant day-to-day
work and life demands.
UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF THE WORDS AND THE ROLES OF THE MENTAL
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND WORKERS WILL HEIGHTEN YOUR EMPATHY AND ENRICH
YOUR COMPASSION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS.”

1.3 MENTAL HEALTH
PROFESSIONALS AND
WORKERS
Before a community member visits a mental Chief, traditional healers (colloquially known as
health professional or worker, they are highly ‘mganga’) etc. We need to empower and build
likely going to have several first points of contact capacity within the people who may constitute
with other members of their community. These a first point of contact but may not necessarily
people include and are not limited to members be a mental health professional or worker.
of their immediate and extended family,
friends, coworkers, faith leaders, elders, the
Below is a list of the common usually assesses, diagnoses, 1.3.6 CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
mental health professionals and and treats individuals and
This is a mental health
workers that you may encounter family’s with psychiatric
professional that assesses,
outside of the community conditions or the potential
diagnoses and treats mental
or in a hospital setting. for such disorders using their
health conditions through the
full scope of therapeutic skills,
use of psychotherapy; talk
1.3.1 THERAPIST/ including the prescription of
therapy and other forms of
PSYCHOTHERAPIST medication and administration
treatment of mental, behavioral
of psychotherapy.
and emotional illness. A clinical
A psychotherapist is an umbrella
psychologist majorly focuses
name given to any mental 1.3.4 PSYCHIATRIST
on the severe mental health
health professional that uses
conditions. They majorly work
the various forms of therapy This is a trained medical doctor,
within a hospital setting.
to help diagnose and treat a who has focused on issues
client despite the severity of of mental health. They can
1.3.7 COUNSELING
their mental health condition. prescribe medications and
PSYCHOLOGIST
they spend much of their time
1.3.2 COMMUNITY HEALTH with clients on medication This is a professional who
WORKER/VOLUNTEER management as a course of focuses on healthy individuals
treatment. Effective medical who have mild to moderate
Community health workers/
treatment with a psychiatrist mental health conditions. The
volunteers are members of a
should go hand in hand with the clientele can ideally perform
community who are chosen
help of a psychologist to ensure normally but they experience
by community members
that the client enjoys optimum a little difficulty in achieving
or organizations to provide
and holistic healthcare. optimum activity. Counseling
primary health care to their
psychologists mostly create a
community and are capable
1.3.5 PSYCHOLOGIST sense of psychological security
of delivering preventive,
around issues of training, career
promotional and rehabilitative A psychologist is one who
development, interpersonal and
care to their community. specializes in the study of
educational related concerns.
mind, attitudes and behavior,
1.3.3 PSYCHIATRIC NURSE and how the three elements
contribute to a person’s optimal
This is a nurse who has
mental health and wellness.
specialized in psychiatry and

2.0 STORIES
These stories include lived experiences of persons various mental health conditions that exist.
who are suffering or might have suffered from In addition, they reveal that anybody can be
Mental Health Conditions. These stores were affected, and with considerable treatment
shared so as to create awareness on the and support, one is able to get better.
2.1 MOHA – EARLY 20’S WITH One day at school, I got into a physical fight
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY with a classmate. I was convinced that he had
stolen my money. This fight resulted into me being
I live with my mother, three siblings and a cousin expelled from school. I have not gone back to
who also sometimes looks after me. I attended school since that incident. My mother insists that
primary school until Standard 8. After that my I am in fact very lucky that my classmate did not
mother decided that I would not continue with report the matter to the authorities. My mother
my education, although I would have preferred would like me to get a form four certificate in
to stay in school. My brother says that it is because order that I may join a vocational college. Her
I “didn’t do well in school” compounded with constraint is that I was expelled from school.
the fact that there are no schools for people
with special needs close to my township. My dream for the future is to become a
policeman, “so that I can arrest bad people”.
When I left primary school, I worked in a workshop I have not shared this dream with anyone.
for people with intellectual disabilities for almost a
year. My mother secured this job for me and she
decided that it was the right place for me. To be
honest I would have preferred to be consulted 2.3 NDUNGU – EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
on the decision because I did not like working
I do not have an identification card (ID).
there. There was a time when a co-worker at
Due to this, I am not able to get a job.
the workshop attacked me. I didn’t tell anybody
More-over, my employment experience
because I didn’t know where to seek help.
is further limited due to my disability.
However, my brother knew about this incident but
he too did not where to go for help. He also said
My grandmother once managed to get me
reporting the incident may lead to more bullying
a job as a watchman. She did not consult
by people who do not understand his condition.
with me before getting the job. I think it is
I was not paid at the workshop. When my brother because she knows what’s best for me…I had
went to ask why he was informed that I had not no choice but to take the job. After all, it fed
mastered the art of making beads and therefore my whole family. The cold weather at night
my work did not warrant payment. Although I did really affected me. I got laid off after a while.
not like working there, I did like working with beads
especially wiring the beads. Generally, I would like There was a time I worked at a construction
to become independent and do more for myself. site… but it was very tiring. Now, I work at the
market carting groceries for the shoppers for
a small fee. It is less tiring. My uncle advised
me do it, so that I can get some money.
2.2 OKOTH – TEENAGER WITH HIDDEN DREAMS
Some of my worst experiences are of being
I live with my mother and uncle in one of incarcerated. I have also been incarcerated
Kenya’s County’s. My mother is my primary twice. Because of these experiences, my
care giver and decision maker. My mother is of grandmother tries to limit the places I visit and
the opinion that I should stay at home to avoid how frequently I leave the compound.
having a convulsion outside of the house. On
the other hand, I think that as long as I take
my medication as prescribed I will be ok.
2.4 WAIRIMU – MY BIPOLAR EXPERIENCE 2.6 MARY – IN THE 30S WITH
PSYCHOSOCIAL DISABILITY
I was a bright student in school at least that’s
how my father describes me. My form four
grades were not good enough to be admitted
to University. To make ends meet, I worked as a
IN MY DOWN
house help for a while and eventually stopped
PHASE when my father told me to leave my job.
(DEPRESSION) I tend to spend my days helping out with some

I CAN SLEEP of the house chores and talking to my family
members. I enjoy reading and listening to the
FOR DAYS.” radio. I am a member of a self-help group that
my father attends on my behalf. In the past,
My main symptoms as a person with Bi-polar when you asked me questions about the issues
are lack of motivation, lack of concentration, within the group, I was able to answer them
inability to focus, feeling overwhelmed by simple comprehensibly, without any mistake, but
decisions, feelings of lack of energy even to do nowadays I am not feeling well and therefore I do
basic things like brushing my teeth and taking not attend the meetings. Each month, I attend
a shower. In my up phase (mania) I can stay a clinic at the local hospital, but I am not happy
awake for days, complete insomnia. In my with the treatment. I think that they are treating
down phase (depression) I can sleep for days. me for depression and yet I am not depressed.
In my up moments, I’m most productive, I can
hold a job, hypersexuality which I can control I think that my family forces me to go to the
and express myself. In my depression, I can’t hospital. Sometimes I am taken to the hospital
even leave my room for long periods of time. under duress, for instance, there’s are times I
was admitted to Mathari Hospital. Twice, on
both times it was by force. I usually feel like my
only source of support is going to church. My
2.5 PAUL – HEARING VOICES parents are very religious and my father insists that
such church support is highly relevant for me.
I have schizophrenia. Basically I hear voices
of people. Sometimes the voices are familiar,
Generally, I appreciate the support my parents
sometimes they are unfamiliar. They are loud
offer me in helping me make decisions.
and negative but not always around, only
However, I find their support being restrictive
when I’m in crisis. Sometimes I lose sleep for
and my options are limited. There is a day
days and need medication to sleep. Complex
when a neighbor beat me up. I filed the matter
ideas confuse me and may send me into crisis.
with the police, but my father forced me to
When the voices are around, I lose track of withdraw the complaint because she was
reality and that’s when I need help the most, a neighbor and also a close relative.
I need someone to guide me back to reality.
They used to make me paranoid but now that
I know what my illness is and how to manage,
its easier. I have a support person to help me
when in crisis and a support network to help TO MAKE ENDS MEET, I WORKED AS
me in daily life to process complex decisions.
A HOUSE HELP FOR A WHILE AND
EVENTUALLY STOPPED WHEN MY
FATHER TOLD ME TO LEAVE MY JOB.”

2.7 MURIU – WRONGLY IMPRISONED 2.8 ELIZABETH – SUPPORT CAREGIVERS
I ACCEPTED THE CAREGIVERS

CHARGES AND GO THROUGH A
PLEADED GUILTY.” DIFFICULT TIME.”
There was a young boy in my neighborhood My dad was showing changes in personality and
that used to make frequent visits to my house. behavior from 1992 and we did not understand as
On this fateful day, the young boy walked into a family what was going on. I was 17 years then. I
my room as I was dressing up. I told the boy had just completed my O-levels. I had to go to look
to leave but he was adamant and therefore I for work to educate my siblings as they were both
pushed him out of my room. Later that day, the in high school. My mum had to stay at home as
boy’s father came to my house and accused dad’s caregiver, thus I became the bread winner.
me of defiling his son. I was shocked! I admitted
to pushing his son out of my room but denied In 2015, after 15 years of Dad living with the
the defilement accusation. Later that evening condition, we got a diagnosis and we were
the boy’s father came back to my house with informed that he had Alzheimer’s disease. This
police officers and proceeded to arrest me. was the first time I heard about the condition.
It was devastating to be informed that there
I was taken to Kibera Law Courts on an early was no cure for the condition. This prompted
Monday morning, after being slapped and me to get more information on the condition.
threatened by the police officers. When the charges
were read out to me, I accepted the charges
and pleaded guilty. I pleaded guilty because I “DEMENTIA IS A SYNDROME NOT A
couldn’t understand what was being said in Court. DISEASE. IT IS A GROUP OF SYMPTOMS
I also have a hearing problem and therefore when
someone speaks in a low tone, I cannot hear THAT AFFECT MENTAL COGNITIVE TASKS
anything. That day the Magistrate was speaking SUCH AS MEMORY AND REASONING
in a very low tone. More to this, the police officers
had threatened my life and I was very scared. I . IT IS AN UMBRELLA TERM. THERE
was then taken to Mathari hospital for treatment. ARE MANY TYPES OF DEMENTIA AND
The doctor asked me if anybody has hurt me. I lied
and told him no because I was scared for my life. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IS THE MOST
COMMON. MOSTLY AFFECTS PEOPLE
I attended Court severally until I was eventually
placed in Kamiti Maximum Prison. Even though OVER 65 YEARS BUT THERE ARE CASES
I did not understand what was going on in
OF EARLY ONSET FROM 40 YEARS.”
Court, I was sentenced and served four years.
Through the help of a lawyer I appealed my
Persons living with Dementia will act in manners
case and eventually got discharged.
related to mental health conditions; forgetting
loved ones, misplacing money, cannot find
I now live with my aunt who is my primary caregiver.
their way home…as such stigma is high.
She understands how to take care of me as a
person with an intellectual disability. My aunt tells
After dads diagnosis, I tried to look for a support
me that my family has learned to live with me as
group to plug in with no success. This later prompted
I am, and accept and love me. Her only worry is
me to start one so as to support one another as
that community members may not accept me
caregivers. Caregivers go through a difficult time,
but she remains hopeful for the best. I long for the
they also need to be tended to so that they can
day I will have a small house in my shamba, go to
give better and quality attention to patients.
work and come back to my house in the evening.

2.9 SYBIL – BEING ALONE 2.11 RYAN – POST TRAUMATIC STRESS STORY
Growing up with a single parent, whom you
love and never want to stress was the biggest Like any other Intersex Person in Kenya, I am
challenge of my life. I had to forego various an indirect mental disorder victim. I suffered
aspects of my life especially the social aspects, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
because I didn’t want to be seen as demanding.
At times, I withheld my own pain, problems and When I discovered I was born Intersex. I started
weaknesses just so as to not bother anyone. feeling hopeless, pulling away myself from other
people, dropping out of school and other usual
Today, I stand as an advocate for mental activities. As we all know, a human being is not an
health because I never want anyone on independent creature but dependent, I had no
earth, whether young or old, to face the same choice rather than making drugs my companion.
challenges I personally faced... “Being Alone”!
I started losing temper for no reason, fighting with
The isolation, feelings of inferiority, and the risk of everyone and lastly ended up lonely. My family
depression can ultimately lead to a course worse member hated me more. The society attempted
than missing a limb. I truly support the theme; It is to kill me believing I was an outcast. I could hear
okay not to be okay! Losing yourself, once in a a strange voice telling me “kill yourself” and for
while, is a process that can enrich you or your life. sure I tried it more than five times, unsuccessfully.
The voice continued “if you can’t commit

suicide then commit murder” which is
I NEVER WANT ANYONE ON EARTH serious offence/crime. Luckily, I didn’t.
TO FACE THE SAME CHALLENGES After working on my self-esteem, I discovered

I PERSONALLY FACED.” I was suffering from a mental disorder. I got
help and managed to overcome some of the
challenges. However, lack of appetite, sleep and
2.10 MAUREEN – IN A DARK PLACE socializing are amongst challenges I struggle with.
In my calling letter to the University, I had been
invited to study a course that was outside my 2.12 PASQUELINE - POSTPARTUM
preferred choice. I was so devasted. I begged DEPRESSION EXPERIENCE
for help from various people to help me do
the course I preferred, but to no avail.
As such, I ended up getting into a relationship

with a senior student. This person took I AM A WIFE AND
advantage of my naivety as a freshman… his
aim was only to use me to boost his ego. A MOTHER TO
THREE BEAUTIFUL
This got me into a really dark place. I lost
over 10 kilograms in two months as I lacked DAUGHTERS.”
appetite. My self-esteem and self-worth had
really been damaged. For a second I felt
like I didn’t deserve to be in this world.
Back home my mother was battling a chronic My friends and those who know me well will
illness, which was already overwhelming her. I did tell you I am a strong person and I am always
not feel like stressing her further, with what was jovial “the last person you would expect would
going on in my life. Luckily, she noticed that I wasn’t suffer from depression”. However, people
okay and informed my aunt who was able to walk you least expect to suffer depression are the
the journey with me together with my therapist. ones who are affected the most, especially
because no one bothers to check on them.
They are always assumed to be okay.

My case with PPD began soon after I was blessed 2.13 MARY A.K.A JAMES – INTERSEX STORY
with my second daughter in 2017. Having had
a fairly alright time with my first born, everyone
expected I would be fine. But, when the baby
was two weeks old I realized I was not okay. I
became emotionally worn out; baby cries would I AM MARY
make me cry and feel so desperate. I was not
WAITHERA AKA
sure I loved my baby, I felt like I was not ready
for the difficulties that came with raising her. JAMES KARANJA. I
AM THE DIRECTOR OF
Most of my friends and family’s advice never
worked. I was overwhelmed by everything, small INTERSEX PERSONS
tasks made me break down, everything was
SOCIETY OF KENYA.”
just too much for me. It felt like I had sunk into
a deep hole that no one could get me out of.
It was so lonely and I didn’t even know myself I was born as intersex. Due to this nature,
anymore. It was the darkest phase of my life. there was confusion whether I was to
be raised as a girl or a boy. Just like any
In addition, the feeling and state I was in “normal” child I was seen a born a problem,
almost broke my marriage. I was mad at my being intersex is equated to an outcast.
husband for everything. I never appreciated
anything he did to support me and the baby. My parent and doctors decided to raise me
As such, he didn’t understand what I was going as a girl, I realized that I was an intersex person
through and so he felt unappreciated. during puberty as I developed into a male and
not female as expected. Between the ages
My only hope came after I saw a counselor. She of 18 and 22 years, I tried committing suicide
felt my pain and walked with me to recovery. three times due to stigma, discrimination, and
No mother deserves to go through this. This is exclusion. I contemplated on death to end the
where I came to learn of Postpartum depression, pain and the agony that I was experiencing.
and it’s realities. Unfortunately because of The society that I lived in had taught me
the stigma surrounding it, no one wants to self-hate, this made me lose myself since I
open up and admit they are suffering. could not socialize like a normal person.
After recovering, I decided to share my story Such differences brought a lot of confusion
on different platforms to create awareness and disharmony in my family. Having an
as well as normalize conversation around intersex child was not easy for my mother. It
challenges; pregnant women and new moms was emotionally stressful, she got depressed
and dads go through which make them prone and later lost her memory. All because she
to depression or anxiety. Progressively, I saw the had an intersex child. When her mental health
need to do more than just create awareness, was deteriorating we opted to take her to
hence I founded Calmind Foundation, a not for Mathari hospital; the doctors said that she had
profit organization that promotes mental well- suffered for so long from acute depression.
being of pregnant and new moms and dads
through education, support and advocacy. There is a need for training for mental health
professionals regarding needs of intersex patients
and families, such teams need to include
mental health specialists who can make formal
I WAS MAD AT MY HUSBAND psychiatric assessments when required. There is
also need for consultations with other professionals
FOR EVERYTHING. I NEVER to assist in decision-making processes on the
APPRECIATED ANYTHING HE DID.” nature of medical treatment for intersex persons.

( S ENAT E B IL L S NO.3 2 OF 2 0 1 8 )

3.0 SENATOR VOICES
THE BIGGEST
IMPORT OR
EXPORT OF THIS
BILL IS TO FIGHT
STIGMA.
SENATOR (ARCH.) KASANGA SYLVIA MUENI
The Senate of Kenya sat between May and gave rise to the excerpts outlined below in
June 2019 to deliberate on the need for the three broad themes, which are: eradication
Mental Health (Amendment) Bill (Senate of stigma reduction; community based
Bill No. 32 of 2018). Their spirited debate healthcare and raising awareness.
3.1 ERADICATION
OF MENTAL HEALTH
RELATED STIGMA
The stigma associated with mental health can adopt lessons from our friends in the HIV/AIDS
and its related conditions causes fear, denial, movement and begin the journey of eradicating
avoidance and the continuation of silence. We the stigma associated with mental health.
3.1.1 SENATOR (ARCH.) WITH CERTAIN EVERYDAY LIFE related matters in Kenya, my
KASANGA SYLVIA MUENI TASKS OR PRESSURE. WE NEED heart completely breaks. Duly,
TO TELL KENYANS TODAY there is no better way to fight
MANY OF US HAVE EXPERIENCED THAT THE REACTIONS AND/ stigma as leaders, than to
A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION OR UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR ARE speak about it, open up and
EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY. NOT EVIL SPIRITS AND THAT encourage Kenyans. The time
ACKNOWLEDGING THE THEY ARE NOT BEWITCHED. has come to have candid
EXISTENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH conversations about our mental
CONDITIONS IS DIFFICULT. YOU There may be an underlying health. The biggest import or
OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW mental health condition that export of this Bill is to fight stigma.
MAY BE REACTING AND/OR can be treated, rehabilitated
BEHAVING IN AN UNUSUAL and managed. When we see
WAY OR IS UNABLE TO COPE the statistics on mental health
THE BILL
GIVES PEOPLE
LIVING WITH
MENTAL HEALTH
CONDITIONS
THEIR RIGHT TO
DIGNITY.
3.1.2 SENATOR KILONZO

MUTULA JUNIOR
Just like any family, one of I am perturbed by how shoddily I WOULD LIKE
my cousins has mental health we treat healthcare workers in
TO PROPOSE THAT
challenges. As such, this Kenya. As a Senate, we need
proposal has peaked my latent to look into the living situation THIS BILL LOOKS INTO
interest in mental health. The and allowances of mental
Bill gives people living with healthcare workers. More to THE MENTAL HEALTH
mental health conditions their this, we need to give mental AND WELLNESS OF
right to dignity. I would like healthcare workers accolades
to propose that this Bill looks and rewards for their hard MENTAL HEALTHCARE
into the mental health and work and determination.
wellness of mental healthcare
PROFESSIONALS
professionals and workers. AND WORKERS.

3.1.4 SENATOR CHERUIYOT AARON KIPKIRUI
One of the things that you learn from

researching about mental health
in Kenya is that many people shy
away from seeking medical help.
In workplaces and social settings, you

will hear people tell each other, “That
one deserves to be taken to Mathari.”
This is considered an insult and yet,
Mathari National Teaching and Referral
Hospital is a hospital like any other.
This kind of stigma is brought about
I SPECIFICALLY by misinformation about mental

health and its related conditions.
WANT TO EMPHASIZE
ON THE ISSUE OF
STIGMA.
3.1.3 SENATOR MUGO BETH WAMBUI
I specifically want to emphasize on the issue of

stigma. Many people hide their family members
because they do not accept that mental health
conditions are a problem like any other physical
illness. There is nothing to be ashamed of.
During a mental health conference organized

by the World Health Organization, it was evident
that Kenyans require mental health related
information in the public domain. I strongly
STIGMA IS
BROUGHT
advocate that we should all work closely with
psychiatrists and psychologists whether or
not we have a mental health condition.
In addition to this, once members of a family ABOUT BY

or community sense that something is wrong
with a person, action should be taken.
MISINFORMATION.

I WANT TO
REPEAT THAT
STATEMENT; IT IS
OKAY NOT TO
BE OKAY!
3.1.5 SENATOR SAKAJA

JOHNSON ARTHUR
The stigma associated with Mental health is a conversation We all need to know that it is
mental health conditions that this country needs to have. okay not to be okay. I want
prevents us from accessing to repeat that statement;
those who require support. We need to recognize that it is okay not to be okay!
mental health conditions
I have a friend whose son affect a wide spectrum of
despite coming from a well to people regardless of social
THE STIGMA
do background took his own class or political affiliation. ASSOCIATED WITH
life. The young man was going
through a lot of pressure and As leaders, we must step MENTAL HEALTH
one day instead of going to up and mentor our youth.
CONDITIONS PREVENTS
school, he asked for some It is incumbent on us to
time alone. He went upstairs, provide guidance, support US FROM ACCESSING
accessed his dad’s safe, took and direction for the
a gun and shot himself. young people in Kenya. THOSE WHO REQUIRE
SUPPORT.

3.2 COMMUNITY
BASED HEALTHCARE
Primary healthcare is at the heart of structures and systems will go a long way
sustainable health outcomes for mental in ensuring that persons living with mental
healthcare. By integrating mental healthcare health conditions are rehabilitated and
in the already existing community based taken care of within the community.
3.2.1 SENATOR LOKORIO PETRONILLA WERE
For a long time, we have misunderstood and misinterpreted

what mental health is all about. This Bill seeks to ensure
that mental health treatment is incorporated at the
county level. Health is a devolved function and county
governments have a duty to ensure that mental health
concerns are mainstreamed through primary healthcare.
As Counties adopt the Community Health Volunteers (CHVs)

models of managing health, they should ensure that all
levels of health facilities have a mental health unit.
3.2.2 SENATOR HALAKE ABSHIRO SOKA
While a lot of care has gone into looking at human rights

approaches, standards, prevention, discrimination and
other liberties that come with mental health care, there is
need to strengthen community-based care. For instance,
how does somebody in Iresa or Haboru village in Isiolo
County, where the closest healthcare facility is 40 kilometres
away, get access to mental health care? Integration
of rehabilitation, recovery and management into the
family and community processes and systems is vital.
We should also emphasize on research and deliberate data

collection on for mental health. Evidence-based care for
health reforms needs take root in our facilities. It is only in
evidence-based healthcare that we can attract sustainable
resources from within the country and as well as internationally.

REGULAR COUNTY
AND COMMUNAL TALKS
WILL RESTORE THE SENSE
IN LIVING.
3.2.3 SENATOR (DR.) INIMAH County governments have county and communal talks
GETRUDE MUSURUVE been mandated by the will restore the sense in living.
Bill to create programs
I wish to speak on the issue of and centers that provide Clause 9 in the Bill includes
labeling…when one is labeled, psychosocial support. Stress, National government by
he loses his human dignity among other mental health giving them the mandate
and self-confidence, and the related concerns could be to take care of persons with
family loses confidence too. addressed at a county and psychosocial disabilities.
communal level. Regular
3.2.4 SENATOR (PROF.) We must change Kenyan

ONGERI SAMSON KEGENGO attitudes to accept that
people living with mental
When I think about mental health conditions are a part
health, my major concern us. Mental health conditions
is how we handle and require early detection,
relate to mental health treatment, rehabilitation and
conditions as a family, society, management. Kenyans need
community and nation. to acknowledge that they must
go through certain stressors
The first element is ownership and strain as a normal part of
by County governments. The life. Each one of us is facing
second element is the capacity some peculiar problems.
for County governments to
WE MUST CHANGE
integrate and accept mental This Bill is therefore trying to
health conditions as part of publicize mental health as KENYAN ATTITUDES TO
those diseases that must be run a normal passage of life. It
by a health center, dispensary aims at placing benchmarks ACCEPT THAT PEOPLE
and sub-county hospitals. that will help the society
LIVING WITH MENTAL
identify individuals facing
mental distress in good time. HEALTH CONDITIONS
ARE A PART US.
MENTAL HEALTH
MUST BE ADDRESSED
IN THE CONTEXT
OF THE NEW
CONSTITUTION.
3.2.5 SENATOR WETANGULA I support this Bill because the Constitution and the devolved
MOSES MASIKA state of mental health in this functions therein. I hope that
country needs attention. by passing this Bill, counties will
Mahatma Gandhi once said be empowered with sufficient
that, ‘the true measure of This Bill seeks to align the resources to have facilities
any society can be found Constitution with the provisions alongside the existing hospitals
in how it treats it’s most of mental healthcare. Mental that take care of mental health.
vulnerable members.’ health must be addressed
in the context of the new
WE MUST FACTOR IN THE

HIGH COST AND BURDEN
OF CAREGIVING.
3.2.6 SENATOR ALI FARHIYA HAJI condition. We also need to look at
drug abuse as a means of coping
I support this Bill because it focuses with an undetected mental health
on the rehabilitation and after condition. Finally, people living
care of people living with mental with mental health conditions are
health conditions. Families, friends, marginalized and vulnerable
coworkers and caregivers are highly and require protection
affected by mental health conditions from abusive members
too. We must factor in the high of the community.
cost and burden of caregiving.
Drug and alcohol abuse and misuse

is at an all-time high in our country.
Compounded drug and alcohol
abuse may trigger a mental health

HOSPITALS ARE IMPORTANT
ESPECIALLY WHEN ONE REQUIRES
CURATIVE TREATMENT. HOWEVER,
A HOSPITAL SETTING MAY NOT BE
CONDUCIVE FOR THE HOLISTIC
HEALING OF THE INDIVIDUAL.
3.2.7 S
ENATOR LEDAMA OLEKINA
As we have this crucial conversation

on mental health, we should take into
account the environment that is best
suited for the recovery, rehabilitation
and management of people living
with mental health conditions.
Hospitals are important On a personal note, I have I fully support this Bill because
especially when one requires a brother who has a mental through devolution, mental
curative treatment. However, health condition. After taking health care will permeate into
a hospital setting may not him to a mental health the rural areas and reduce the
be conducive for the holistic hospital, we noted that he is burden on urban areas as the
healing of the individual. deteriorating. We arranged only refuge for people living
to have him moved back with mental health conditions.
Families and community home so that he can recover
members need to be in an environment that
educated on the different was best suited for him.
types of environments that
are holistic for recovery,
rehabilitation and
management of mental
health conditions.

OUR EDUCATION
3.2.8 SEN. KABAKA
BONIFACE MUTINDA SYSTEM CREATES
ENORMOUS PRESSURE
Let me take some time
to highlight some life TO ATTAIN CERTAIN
occurrences that people
may experience that need GRADES. STUDENTS WHO
constant and urgent mental
FAIL EXAMINATIONS ARE
health care interventions or
counseling: Early retirement, PERCEIVED AS FAILURES.
Loss of Job, Divorce
and Student Failure.
THESE STUDENTS REQUIRE
CONSISTENT COUNSELING
AND SUPPORT.
WE ALSO NEED TO CREATE MECHANISMS TO ENSURE

THAT MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES ARE FRUITFUL.
3.2.9 SENATOR NYAMUNGA In 2018, one of his friends

ROSE OGENDO died by suicide and in March
2019, another of his friends
As a society, we have been died by suicide. Eventually,
conditioned to believe that a in June this year our friend’s
person living with a mental health son died by suicide too.
condition looks and behaves a
certain way. Therefore, when a We should encourage people
person is well dressed and seems to seek professional help to
to have their life in order, we address the root cause of the
assume that they are ok. Hence problem. We also need to create
an unfortunate perception that mechanisms to ensure that mental
mental health conditions, are for health initiatives are fruitful.
the down trodden in our society.
The other day, I attended a burial

of a child of a friend who died
by suicide. He was a first-year
student, studying law. He had
three friends from the University.

3.3 RAISING
AWARENESS
Raising mental health awareness includes understanding and internalizing the theoretical
concepts as well as being equipped with the necessary skills and capacity to take action.
THE CONVERSATION
NEEDS TO BEGIN BY
FIRST ACCEPTING THAT
THERE IS A PROBLEM.
3.3.1 SENATOR (DR.) ZANI By having programs that Do young people have safe
AGNES PHILOMENA include counseling and peer spaces to talk and be open
groups that help youth to about the problems they
The conversation needs to understand their role within their face without being judged?
begin by first accepting that societies and communities. Counseling is very expensive
there is a problem. The Kenya and inaccessible for many
Mental Health Policy 2015- Data from World Health young people. I support this
2030 articulates that one out Organisation (WHO) says Bill because it is very clear
of four people suffer from a that half of all mental in fighting for the rights of
mental health condition. The health conditions start people with mental health
social cultural context for at the age of 14. conditions at all levels.
understanding mental health
is currently not in place.

3.3.2 SENATOR WAQO NAOMI JILO
In the first instance, it is very clear what the Bill stands

for; to promote mental health and the wellbeing of all
persons; coordinate the prevention of mental health
conditions; reduce the impact of mental health conditions
to the population; promote recovery and rehabilitation
and ensure that the rights of people living with mental
health conditions are protected and safeguarded.
MENTAL HEALTH IS A
PART OF THE PHYSICAL
BODY THAT NEEDS TO
BE DEALT WITH.
SENATOR POGHISIO SAMUEL LOSURON
3.3.3 SENATOR POGHISIO have to travel all the way to Colleges (MTCs) as well
SAMUEL LOSURON Mathari Hospital because as Universities and tertiary
we do not have enough institutions to include mental
Mental health is complicated. psychologists, psychiatrists and health as a main course.
In the African context, counselors in this country. Leaders must also be trained
mental health conditions are and taught how to understand
attributed to curses, cast spells I support the amendment to mental health matters
or paying for your sins. Mental this Bill because it emphasizes within their communities.
health is a part of the physical that treatment must he
body that needs to be dealt humane and individualized.
with. Health is a devolved We need to integrate
function. If you are in West mental health in the national
Pokot County and have a education curriculum, in our
mental health condition, you training of Medical Training

3.3.5 SENATOR KAJWANG’ MOSES OTIENO
I must confess that I have had mental health

condition in the form of depression. Every
time during the election period, I wake up
as a politician and find people have lined
up fake allegations against me. I cannot
blame myself for going through a bout of
depression. Therefore, let us look at mental
health conditions not as the extremities
that we are used to, but as a thing that we
all go through in our day-to-day lives.
I would like to remind everybody that we all go

through different life phases that could trigger
mental distress. I am glad that this amendment
MENTAL HEALTH bill has described how persons living with mental
health conditions should be handled: in a
humane manner that continues to respect the
CONDITIONS ARE rights, obligations and freedoms of the person.
LIKE ANY OTHER

PHYSICAL DISEASE.
3.3.4 SENATOR (DR.) LANGAT CHRISTOPHER ANDREW
This Bill provides for an effective framework that

will support awareness, treatment, prevention,
care and human rights for the people living with
mental health conditions. I am happy with the
clause that expounds on creating awareness.
Awareness includes enabling citizens to know
that people living with mental health conditions
have a right to life and fair treatment.
Stigma and shame has caused people living with

mental health conditions to be associated with
curses and superstition. More often than not, they
are taken for treatment and handled crudely LET US LOOK AT MENTAL
by magicians, witchdoctors, faith healers etc.
HEALTH CONDITIONS AS A THING
THAT WE ALL GO THROUGH IN
OUR DAY-TO-DAY LIVES.

OUR
YOUTH ARE
ECONOMICALLY
DISILLUSIONED.
3.3.7 SENATOR MALALA CLEOPHAS
This is a very timely Bill as it brings to the fore

a topic that is affecting young people in
Kenya. Recently in my county, a school girl
died by suicide because one of the students
3.3.6 SENATOR (DR.) MILGO ALICE CHEPKORIR had threatened to report her to the school
authorities for stealing a blouse. More to
Recently, in my County, four youth died by suicide this, on the morning of 11th June 2019, a
within a radius of only 200 square kilometers. young man from a local university sneaked
Two of them left notes indicating that they felt into State House, brandishing a knife.
that life was meaningless because they could
not find any gainful employment. Another young Our youth are economically disillusioned.
person died by suicide because he could not They have worked hard and gone to school
cope with the stress that he experienced in and yet the job market is failing them. For
school. Right now, our Country has major mental those running their own businesses, payment
health related problems and people are mostly is delayed thereby affecting cash flow and
affected as a result of lack of awareness. their capacity to service loans. This is therefore
a challenge to the current leadership,
This Bill is very important particularly because it including the Senate and the National
mandates the National Government to address Assembly, to consider cushioning the citizens
the issue of accessibility to mental health hospitals. of this country from hard economic times.
This will include issues of care, treatment and
rehabilitation of the people living with conditions
related to their mental health and wellness.
OUR COUNTRY HAS MAJOR MENTAL

HEALTH RELATED PROBLEMS AND
PEOPLE ARE MOSTLY AFFECTED AS A
RESULT OF LACK OF AWARENESS.

3.3.8 SENATOR want to talk about. We should
MWAURA ISAAC have maternal mental health
programs that support women
As a society, we need to from the moment they
recognize that people living conceive and beyond giving
with mental health conditions birth. Where there is child
are intelligent, have gifts, or infant loss, mothers and
talents, and interests. As a families should be assisted in
person living with a mental moving through the trauma
health condition you need to and grief of losing a child.
be proud of who you are and
to positively identify yourself In conclusion, we should
because management resolve problems through
begins with self-acceptance mediation. This will ensure
and declaration. prevention of rising cases
of death by suicide that we
The question of mothers and are facing in this country.
Post-Partum Depression (PPD)
SENATOR MWAURA ISAAC is something people do not
3.3.9 SENATOR KIHIKA SUSAN WAKARURA
When I first came to Senate, I was feeling numb… THE COUNTRY’S ‘BIG FOUR
like a zombie. I had lost my whole team to a
AGENDA’ THAT INCLUDES
helicopter crash in Lake Nakuru. We had been
a team for two years. After the crash, life did UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE, MUST
not feel the same. Their families were extremely
devastated and this deeply affected me. INCLUDE MENTAL HEALTH.
Our silver lining was the Red Cross community

in Nakuru County…they were able to take the
families through trauma, grief and loss counseling. I
think the counseling helped them to begin healing.
I believe that mental illness is a common problem

that has affected every one of us either directly
or indirectly. While many Kenyans go through
difficult situations and emergencies… accessing
any sort of help or counseling is challenging.
Lack of access to care has to do with the stigma
that is attached to mental health conditions.
Statistically, Kenya is among 54 out of 194 WHO

members that do not have a separate budget
for mental health care. Therefore, the country’s
‘Big Four Agenda’ that includes universal
healthcare, must include mental health.

4.0 EXPERT
4.1 DR. CATHERINE SYENGO MUTISYA – PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Catherine Syengo Mutisya is a Consultant Psychiatrist
OPINIONS
nominated to the Business Daily- Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40
Women twice for her work in creating Mental health awareness.
She is the head of Community Mental Health at the Ministry
of Health, Kenya and also a Senior Consultant at the Mathari
The editorial team interviewed National Teaching and Referral hospital. She is also the founder
several professionals working in and a board member of the Nairobi Parenting Clinic Company
the mental health field and put limited & the Nairobi Mental Health Services Medical Center.
together the following expert
opinion statements. These are “I grew up with an elder brother who had severe intellectual
simply general statements aimed disability. He was more of the ‘baby’ in the family and needed all
at providing basic insights into the care and attention. My parents had to struggle to bring him
some of the differing mental up. In addition, one of my uncles lived with schizophrenia. My
health conditions in existence. dad would bring him to stay with us whenever he had a relapse
Most importantly, the statements as he sought proper medical care for him. They would often have
identify and specify key areas to wake up early in the morning to travel from Kitui County to
that require urgent reforms. Machakos General Hospital (Machakos County Referral Hospital),
since it was the nearest facility that offered psychiatric services.
When I decided to specialize in Psychiatry, many friends

including my colleagues kept asking me why I wanted to deal
with “mad people”. But for me, it was more than a calling.
I wanted to offer solutions for people suffering from mental
health conditions as well as families affected by mental
health conditions since I had grown up in such a family.
I recognize that each of my patients is somebody’s brother,

uncle, father, husband, son, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, e.t.c.
I always put myself in the patients’ and caregivers’ shoes and
this motivates me. Every time a patient with a severe mental
health conditions stabilizes and is able to move on with his life I
get fulfilled. I delight in seeing patients in stupor recovering and
going back to school or work and watching them graduate
and excel in their careers, Professionals and business people
going back to work, or mothers being able to go back home
and take care of their families. Sometimes I just want to join
my patients as they celebrate their success journeys.
In Africa, there is a lot of stigma against mental health conditions.

We need to spread the message that mental health conditions
can affect anyone, regardless of their class. It cuts across from
the educated to the uneducated, from the rich to the poor.
Those who suffer or have relatives suffering from mental health
conditions also need to open up about it. There is need to
understand mental health conditions; if you are not able to reach
your potential, adjust to stressors in life or relate well with people,
then you need mental health services. A mental health condition
is not a curse or witch craft or spiritual warfare, it is a health
problem and there is no health without mental health. We need
to keep fighting the stigma against mental health conditions
and increase the resources allocated to Mental health services.

4.2 DR. THOMAS AUSTIN OBULUTSA – PSYCHOLOGIST
I have been a Psychologist for the last 14 years,

a period in which I have experienced the mental
health landscape going through tremendous
progress. The Government through the legislature
has passed and revised policies that have
4.3 DR. MOHAMED
enhanced service provision. Some of the significant
IBRAHIM – FORMER
developments include the passing of laws like the
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
Kenya Counselors and Psychologists Act (2014) and
the revision of the Mental Health Act and Policy.
Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, PhD, MSW, RN is an assistant
In this period Education and training opportunities professor at the University of British Columbia.
in mental health have expanded and more He completed his Doctor of Philosophy at Simon
professionals are available to offer services Fraser University, Canada Mohamed’s other
in various settings. These professionals have academic and professional training includes;
formed associations geared towards promoting Post-graduate certificate in Global Mental Health
professional development. They have enabled from Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma and
the public to understand what to expect from Recovery at Harvard University, Master of Social
Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Counselors. Work from Washington University in St. Louis,
Registered Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing from
Areas of further development can include: Kenya Medical Training College. Mohamed
• T here is need to review, ratify & was a past fellow in clinical addiction at the
implement mental health laws British Columbia Center on Substance Use.
• T he National and County governments

Psychiatry in Kenya and indeed across Africa
to enact a policy geared towards
is deeply colonial and harmful. During colonial
decentralization of mental health services
times, psychiatry was used as a tool of oppression
• T he public service commission and the county to sustain colonization and a biopower to
public service boards to revise and implement delegitimize the existence of Black Africans.
a scheme of services for psychologist and
counselors working in the public service The use of the Lunatic Act which preceded the
•E
ncourage Counties to hire more mental health current Mental Health Act was a biomedical
practitioners seeing that more than 25 counties instrument to label and incarcerate freedom
do not have; psychiatrists, psychologists and fighters such as Kenya’s Elijah Masinde and
counsellors in public or private practice. South Africa’s Nontetha Nkwenke in Mathari
Mental Hospital and Pretoria State Psychiatric
hospital respectfully in the height of British brutal
colonial crackdown in Kenya and Apartheid
South Africa. In fact, in French North Africa,
Electro Convulsive Treatment, a psychiatric
treatment that uses electric shock was used as an
THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH
interrogative technique during the Algeria-French
THE LEGISLATURE HAS PASSED war that claimed millions, just to name a few.
AND REVISED POLICIES THAT HAVE We cannot therefore talk of ending stigma without
decolonizing our psychiatric institutions that were
ENHANCED SERVICE PROVISION.
basically a violent medical system. Stigma is
essentially rooted in the colonial psychiatric system.

In addition, improving allocated provisions for
mental health care within the universal health care
plan and National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)
schemes can greatly aid in mitigating these illness.
County Governments should conduct

research surveys on mental issues within their
areas to identify the different causes for
4.4 DR. LYDIA K.
mental health conditions. For example;
MATOKE – HERBALIST
• Nairobi - high cost of living and

AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE HERBALIST SOCIETY OF unemployment are major contributors
KENYA, MY MAIN FOCUS IS ADDRESSING MENTAL
•Mombasa - drug and substance abuse,
HEALTH CONDITIONS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF
TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE. •Western - high rate of early or forced
marriages, and/or poverty
In a world that is highly dependent on
pharmaceutical medication, the place for It is also important that each county invests
traditional medicine in our Kenyan context is in employing qualified personnel, training
important and relevant. Before the onset of them, developing advocacy and support
pharmaceutical medication, we used herbs programs, and encouraging establishment
and other traditional forms to heal ourselves. of mental health ambassadors.
I am particularly in support of the Health Bill
of 2017 Part IX that covers mental health. The
provisions therein are but not limited to:
• Protecting the rights of people living
with mental health conditions;
• Ensuring that the property of people living
with mental health conditions is protected;
• Establish, manage and control mental health 4.6 PASTOR HENRY WAWERU
facilities in national and county governments; – COUNSELOR/THEOLOGIAN
• Advancing the implementation
of other measures introduced by I AM A PASTOR BASED IN NYAHURURU TOWN,
specific mental health laws, and; LAIKIPIA COUNTY. I AM A PROFESSIONAL
• Ensuring that sufficient mental health COUNSELOR WITH A DEGREE IN COUNSELING
specific research is carried out. PSYCHOLOGY FROM ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY,
AND A DEGREE IN THEOLOGY AND CHRISTIAN
In conclusion, I would like to recommend MINISTRY FROM PRESBYTERIAN UNIVERSITY.
that mental health be integrated into
counseling and education to reduce In my line of duty I have come to realize that
the overreliance on medication. some people come to us, as religious servants,
because they are facing a series of various
4.5 NANCY WANJIRU – COUNSELLING internal challenges. Many have mental health
PSYCHOLOGIST conditions and emotional disturbances but they
aren’t aware. I only realize it when I they start
Government needs to sensitize communities sharing their stories of; suffering from rejection,
on mental health just as they did to reduce depression and even considerations of suicide.
stigma related to Tuberculosis and HIV & AIDS.
This should be done through clearly assuring
communities to stand by persons with mental
health conditions, and educating them that
such illnesses are treatable or manageable.

The largest problem however, is our society
stigmatizes people with mental illness. My
hope is that people can realize, just the
same way one can break a leg or hand, is
the same way one’s mind can get sick.
Mental health is a neglected field leading to

4.8 DR. RUTH MWAURA –
many; committing suicide, destroying their
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
families and/or careers, and engaging into
drugs and substance abuse to get relief.
Man is a spirit, having a soul and living in a body; Mental health in Kenya has always taken a
and all these areas of personality should be back seat within the area of non-communicable
addressed holistically without neglecting any. diseases. Challenges include; shortage of human
resources, poor health infrastructure, inadequate
This issue of mental health should be addressed supply of medicine, inadequate funding among
from the highest office in the land, to pulpits, others which threaten the mental health system.
to market places. People with mental Stigma and discrimination associated with mental
health need to be sensitized that their lives illnesses is the biggest challenge to the provision
matter, so that they can realize that people of mental health services. Integrating mental
care, and that they have a purpose. health into the existing health care system will
go a long way in addressing some of the issues.
4.7 DR. LIZ NGARACHU – PSYCHIATRIST
What alarms me the most is that only a small

percentage of mentally ill patients have actually
met a psychiatrist and got diagnosed. In addition
to this, more often than not, mental health
facilities are inadequate, and in some cases
completely out of reach. There also exist some
gaps in training of professionals, which affects 4.9 DR. ELIZABETH
service delivery. I believe some of the best KAMUNDIA – DISABILITY
approaches on Mental Health would be to: FOCAL POINT
•E
ncourage insurance companies to recognize
mental illnesses as treatable medical conditions
Dr. Kamundia is an Assistant Director at the
• Investing and upgrading mental
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
health hospitals and facilities would
substantially help in reducing stigma
In 2011, KNCHR published a report entitled:
• T raining & encouraging medical practitioners ‘Silenced Minds, the Systemic Neglect of the
to specialize on mental health Mental Health System in Kenya: A Human Rights
Audit of the Mental Health System in Kenya’. The
audit identified a number of concerns on the
mental health sector, which have subsequently
been echoed by the Auditor General in the
MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES ARE 2018 report entitled: ‘Performance Audit Report
on Provision of Mental Health Care Services
INADEQUATE, AND IN SOME CASES in Kenya’. Key recommendations from both
COMPLETELY OUT OF REACH. reports include the urgent need to transform
the quality of mental health services and the
reform of mental health legislation. I would like
to share some thoughts on these two issues:
transforming services and law reform.

On transforming services, the World Health
Organization has developed the QualityRights
Tool Kit with the aim of transforming mental health
services as well as promoting human rights for
persons with mental health and related conditions4.
The initiative offers a new approach to mental
health care that is rights-based and recovery 4.10 FELICIA MBURU
oriented. Kenya is one of few countries in Africa - KENYAN LAWYER
that are piloting this initiative, which should be & ADVOCATE
supported including through appropriate budgetary
allocation at national and county levels. Felicia holds a LLB from Moi University and Masters
in International Legal Studies specializing in
In relation to law reform, from a human rights Human Rights Law from American University,
perspective, mental health law reform should Washington College of Law. As a Disability rights
address the following issues. Firstly the law on scholar, Felicia is interested in pursuing the rights
mental health should consist of guiding principles, of persons with disability to legal capacity and live
including the unrebuttable presumption of legal in the community on an equal basis with others.
capacity. This is in line with the UN Convention
Mental health conditions are a term referring to a
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified
variety of psychosocial, intellectual and cognitive
by Kenya in 2008. Secondly, informed consent
conditions that affect a person. The UNCRPD in
should be recognised as a core element of
Article 12 recognises the right of a person living
the right to the highest attainable standard of
with a mental health condition having equal
mental health, and the substitution of consent
recognition before the law. The distinction between
by third parties should be prohibited. Thirdly,
the legal capacity of the person and mental
there should be an absolute ban on all forms of
capacity of the person has to be considered,
non-consensual measures in mental health care as these are two very different concepts.
including the use of isolation and restraints.
I have found people with mental health conditions
Fourthly, the law should recognise various levels being detained in hospitals “for their own safety
of support arrangements, including powers of and safety of others.” Yet the same health
attorney, peer support, advance directives and care system, discharges people with TB on the
other types of agreements that further the exercise basis of the right to liberty. When did mental
of legal capacity by persons with disabilities, health become a public health concern?
including supported decision-making agreements.
In Kenya, we focus on the curative and not
Rights come with responsibilities. Therefore, third
preventive aspects of mental health. Ideally,
parties, including health care professionals who in
medical treatment constitutes a part of mental
good faith respect the legal capacity of persons
health and wellness. There needs to be a holistic
with psychosocial disabilities in making mental
approach to mental health. By addressing the
health care decisions, should be protected by social side of mental health, then as a nation we
law in the event of any adverse consequences will begin solving our mental health dilemma. This
arising from such exercise of legal capacity. includes and is not limited to matters such as respite
care for the person, their family and caregivers;
adopting community-based mental health care
WHO HAS DEVELOPED THE
interventions; addressing stigma and discrimination;
QUALITYRIGHTS TOOL KIT WITH THE AIM OF providing supported decision making for the person,
their family and caregivers; peer to peer support
TRANSFORMING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES etc. Any law or policy that only addresses medical
treatment and negates the social elements of
AS WELL AS PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS mental health care will continue to perpetuate
FOR PERSONS WITH MENTAL HEALTH stigma, discrimination and violation of human rights.
AND RELATED CONDITIONS. With the decentralizing of mental health care

to the Counties proper laws and policies
https://www.who.int/mental_health/
4 are needed to actualize a human rights
publications/QualityRights_toolkit/en/ based approach to mental health.
4.11 DR. RICK WOLTHUSEN – MEDICAL
DOCTOR (PSYCHIATRY)
In Kenya, mental health is often separated from

other components of health, which is propagating
stigma and lack of resources. To begin with, when
people talk about mental health care, priority
is given to professionals; such as doctors, nurses 4.12 DR. LUCY MUKURIA
and other professionals. This leaves out the key – PSYCHOLOGIST
role played by social workers, occupational
Representing the voices of military
therapists, traditional and faith healers, elders
veterans and mental health.
and community members. Most people with
mental health conditions will largely interact with
We have all heard about our military fighting
traditional healers and community members
a war in Somalia and other regions around
first, which makes them a key resource.
the world to keep the peace. None of us
believe that peace is kept by anything short
Secondly, there is no active and deliberate
of arms, ammunition and blood and lives.
data collection in mental health, which makes it
Some of us are aware of the lifelong and life
difficult to plan and allocate resources, especially
limiting psychological toll that soldiering has
in comparison to other sector diseases such as:
on soldiers. These effects are always passed on
HIV, malaria, TB that seem to be well funded.
to the family. They too are casualties of war.
Mental health in Kenya requires deliberate
data collection in each County, specifically
Most of us do not know that these same soldiers,
tailored to the needs of people living with mental
our military veterans feel unseen. They feel
health conditions. This is because the context
forgotten. They cannot generate income to
is so different in each county. For example in
support their families, suffer from alcohol and drug
Mombasa, mental health is related to drug
dependence, have broken marriages and families,
abuse; in Western Kenya, it’s the family dynamic,
they are dying young and by their own hand.
in Kisumu and Nairobi its urbanization etc. As
such, any policies and laws adopted should take
They languish at the bottom of the pyramid. Their
into account the dynamics of each County.
needs include legal aid, financial assistance,
parenting and couple training, re-training and
Finally, Kenya should not be reliant on the
job placement, transition and reintegration,
global north for ideas but rather develop holistic
housing, medical, school fees and clothing.
care that fits the Kenyan context. Long-term
investment in mental health should have a
In complimenting this effort, a petition
focus on holistic care. This should include social
is now with the Senate Committee for
norms that already exist such as traditional
Labor & Social Protection, aimed at the
healers and community member support that
enactment of a Military Veterans Law.
already play a critical role in rehabilitation of
people living with mental health conditions.
MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA REQUIRES DELIBERATE DATA

COLLECTION IN EACH COUNTY, SPECIFICALLY TAILORED TO THE
NEEDS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS. THIS IS
BECAUSE THE CONTEXT IS SO DIFFERENT IN EACH COUNTY.

SUICIDE IS NOT THE OPTION!
BY GRACE SYBIL
This poem is dedicated to everyone celebrating

4.13 DR. WILLIAM
World Mental Health Day of 2019
SINKELE – DOCTOR
OF MINISTRY It’s like being overwhelmed with numbness,
A sort of inability to act or move,

Dr. Sinkele is an addiction expert and
founder of SAPTA with 31 years in recovery.
You feel a paralyzing fear that fills
He is a senior consultant to NACADA; your very being with worry,
on the Technical Working Group for Key
Populations with NACC and NASCOP; and You’re fully aware of your potential to create but
consultant to the Ministry of Health. for some reason your worth doesn’t add up.
The creation of a positive mental health Wake up my brother … suicide is not the option!
promotion for children and adolescent
At that moment, you feel you are nothing,
is critical to their healthy development.
This includes mental health literacy for
With each raging palpitation that hits your
educators and parents/caregivers as well
chest. The voices, loud and taunting;
as the children and adolescents. Evidence-
based approaches and programs exist for Each self-loathing thought is met with
the positive promotion of mental health. a hard knot of your insides!
The science of positive mental health and
wellbeing therefore often combines a focus You sit there waiting for it to pass, this
on satisfaction with life, overall happiness familiar feeling you know too well
and good psychological functioning.
Settle down my sister … suicide is not the option!
Professionals, educators and parents also
How to explain it to someone is the problem,
need to address the substance abuse
and mental health risks and vulnerabilities
Now how can I can live in a world
of children and adolescents. Most that perceives me as weak?
mental disorders first appear at the time
of adolescence, such as depression, It’s impossible, this world stigmatizes me;
anxiety and substance abuse.
I heard naniii died a week ago…
The 2018 NACADA rapid assessment of probably in a better place I know!
substance use/abuse among primary school
children 10-14 years old showed that 16.9% NO…STOP… suicide is not the option!
were using alcohol or drug substance the
Don’t bleed on those who never cut us,
month before the survey. This is alarming
given the neural plasticity of the young brain
Make the point to learn what mental
and the threat of a substance use disorder health conditions terms are;
at a very early age. The Kenyan government
along with other stakeholders need to create Understand how afflicted people behave,
preventative, treatment and recovery and what you should you instead,
programs that are child and youth-friendly.
Love yourselves every day, be
responsible for all at bay…
For we are our brothers keepers,

suicide must never be an option!

5.0 STAKEHOLDER
STATEMENTS ON
MENTAL HEALTH
The following is a list of advocacy statements and contact details of Kenyan organizations working in the Mental
Health Space. Feel free to reach out to any of them to seek assistance. Remember, ITS OK, NOT TO BE OK!
CHIROMO LANE MEDICAL patients get medication as

CENTRE (CLM GROUP) was treatment & psychotherapy
founded in 1996 by four from highly qualified Clinical
mental health practitioners. Psychologists and supportive
We have two branches: Psychiatric nursing care being
Chiromo Lane, Westlands and guaranteed with our mantra
Muthithi Road, Lavington. being: RECOVERY IN DIGNITY.
CLM Group caters to patients www.clmc.co.ke

both locally and internationally Mobile: 0729 359 501
offering both inpatient and or 0733 778 609
outpatient services. Our
KAIH is a family based “You have the power and

organization focusing on authority to change the law,
programs and initiatives we have the knowledge about
that recognize the rights, what concerns us. We are
meaningful participation and ready to work with you so let’s
full inclusion of persons with all work together.” Mia Farah
intellectual disability and their addressing the United Nations
families in all aspects of life. Conference of State Parties.
Mobile: 0722 926 918

Email: info@kaihid.org
MENTAL 360 is a youth-driven in having these discussions

and youth-focused non-profit and reaching out for help, for
organization that exists to a previously taboo topic this
promote mental health by is commendable. Our task
raising awareness, creating now as leaders in this effort is
support systems in form of to keep on pushing for better
holistic and affordable therapy policies and more resources
solutions and advocacy for mental health services.
for youth experiencing
mental health challenges. Email info@mental360.or.ke
Website www.mental360.or.ke
The Mental Health conversation
is picking up speed in the
country. The youth who are
the most vulnerable segment
in society have shown interest
5.0 STAKEHOLDER STATEMENTS ON MENTAL HEALTH
THE KENYA HEALTHCARE At KEHSS we believe that

STUDENTS’ SUMMIT (KEHSS) there’s no health without
Contacts:
is a national gathering of mental health and that there
Email info@mental360.or.ke healthcare students and should be safe spaces for
Web: www.mental360.or.ke junior healthcare practitioners Kenyans to easily speak it
which aims to provide an out on matters pertaining
avenue for young healthcare to mental health without
professionals to meet and the fear of facing stigma.
discuss key areas of priority
as well as gain capacity to Email: kehss2018@gmail.com
be future policy leaders.
Mobile: +254 713 835 507
BEFRIENDERS KENYA is a Mental health issues and

charitable organization focusing especially depression is
on suicide prevention by associated with more than
offering free emotional support 90% of all suicide cases. The
to those who may be in distress Mental Health Bill will enable
and therefore in danger of more Kenyans access treatment
dying by suicide as well as leading to the reduction of
creating awareness on suicide the number of Suicides.
prevention within communities.
Email:
befrienderskenya@gmail.com
Mobile: 0722 178 177
THE ALZHEIMER’S & look forward to establishing a

DEMENTIA ORGANIZATION care network to ensure PLD get
OF KENYA (ADOK) adequate care & psychosocial
services. Our key objective is
ADOK is a non-profit to ensure improved quality-
organization that is committed of-life for PLD & their careers.
towards reducing the stigma
around dementia, increasing Elizabeth Mutunga
awareness about the CEO & Founder, The ADOK
condition, & making dementia Mobile: +254 723 471 096
a public health priority. Email: elizabeth@alzkenya.org
We believe in building an
inclusive society that values
persons living with dementia
(PLD) and fosters their respect
and integrity. Additionally, we

USP-K uses interventions on policy in decision-making and in the
and law as well as rights based design and implementation of
advocacy and education to laws, policies, strategies and
transform the lives of persons services for mental health.
Users and Survivors of Psychiatry with psychosocial disabilities.
in Kenya (USP-K) is a non- Website:www.uspkenya.org
governmental membership USP-K would like to express its
organization that was registered utmost gratitude for actively
in 2007 with the key objective being involved in the amendment
of promoting and advocating of the Mental Health Bill, 2018.
for the rights of persons with We desire a future where people
psychosocial disabilities. with mental health conditions
and psychosocial disabilities
are empowered to advocate
and meaningfully participate
BONGA is a mental health Bonga has teamed up with

initiative that seeks to dispel professionals within the medical
the myth, break the stigma and field to provide counseling via an
encourage people to speak up anonymous bully free platform.
on mental health issues affecting
society. The initiative, pioneered When it comes to Mental Health;
by Capital Group Limited, and speaking up is the beginning of
guided by our strong belief healing. Speak up when you can
on the importance of leaving and lend an ear where you can.
our footprint in the hearts &
minds of the community. Contact: Info@bonga.or.ke
SPEAK MIND LOVE FOUNDATION We aim to empower with

is a non for profit organization knowledge and change
founded in December 2018 attitudes on how the society
whose main aim is creation perceives mental health.
of awareness on mental Mental health is important for
health issues particularly progress and development,
depression and suicide. and a mentally healthy society
starts with you and me.
Mobile: +254 757 143 539

Email: info@speakmindlove.org
Website: www.speakmindlove.org

BASIC NEEDS BASIC RIGHTS KENYA be part of. As we move closer to

supports people with, survivors mental health legislation that is
of and persons at increased risk cognizant and responsive to the
of having a mental disorder to needs and aspirations of persons
live successfully by facilitating with mental health conditions, we
access to mental health remain focused and committed
care and support services. to contribute relentlessly to
achieving this shared vision.
We celebrate the steps forward
in the Mental Health Amendment Mobile: +254 725 814 928
Bill, a journey we are proud to Email: info.kenya@basicneeds.org
and registered in Kenya in initiatives. Hence the urgent need

2007 with a Vision of upholding for a new progressive mental
Health Rights as Human Rights. health law that promotes the
rights of people on mental health.
Mental health illness is among the
neglected diseases with limited Mobile: +254 735 333 007
HEALTH RIGHTS ADVOCACY investment to it yet Kenyans Email: info@heraf.or.ke
FORUM (HERAF) is a national continue to suffer in silence. This is Website: www.heraf.or.ke
NGO that promotes human rights largely due to outdated Mental
based approach in health care Health Legislation of 1989 that
delivery. HERAF was founded is silent on community driven
Validity uses strategic litigation, impairments, but rather by

law and policy advocacy, social, environmental and legal
capacity building, research, barriers as well as discrimination.
community mobilization, media Identities are important and
and a variety of other tools to Validity fully respects the rights
act as a watchdog, calling of everyone to express their
out human rights violations identity for themselves.
and pushing for change.
Contacts: validity@validity.ngo
VALIDITY FOUNDATION Validity adopts the social model Website: https://validity.ngo/
of disability upon which the
Validity was established in 2002 as United Nations Convention
a legal advocacy organization on the Rights of Persons with
to tackle the generations of Disabilities (CRPD) is premised.
isolation, segregation and According to this, we must
exclusion faced by people recognize that people are not
with mental disabilities. simply ‘disabled’ by their

CALMIND FOUNDATION is a that the objectives we aspire to
not-for-profit organization accomplish will in time translate
founded to create awareness into milestones we can all be
and promote maternal mental proud of. A mentally healthy
health. We do this through parent means they can take
education, support & advocacy. good care of themselves,
their baby and their partner.
The Foundation is committed
to promoting maternal mental hello@calmindfoundation.org
health. We make deliberate www.calmindfoundation.org
effort to ensure we contribute to
Sustainable Development Goal
3, align our work to national
health priorities and partner
with key stakeholders believing
Charged with the mandate to This has been one of the most
keep an eye on Parliament, progressive Bill’s we have
Mzalendo was delighted to follow encountered in recent times that
conversations on the floor of the affects every single Kenyan.
House on a matter that has been
MZALENDO TRUST is a non-partisan long overdue; Mental Health. Email: info@mzalendo.com
organization that keeps an eye on Mobile: +254 726 464 063
Kenyan Parliament with a mission We share the privilege of having
to facilitate public participation worked with the sponsor of
in Parliamentary processes the Mental Health Awareness
through Information Sharing, Bill; Senator Sylvia Kasanga to
Research and Networking. create more awareness on the
Bill and issues it seeks to address.
CBM works in partnership with disabilities; Community inclusion

state agencies, line ministries and and participation; Strong,
organizations to achieve this. person-centered systems and
Mental health is mainstreamed
CBM takes a rights-based across sectors, including
approach to mental health and humanitarian settings, health
psychosocial disability, and is and disability, and livelihood.
CBM is an international Christian recognized for working across
development organization, the health and disability sectors. Mobile: +254 731 090 014
committed to improve the This means facilitating access to Website: www.cbm.org
quality of life of people with rights including justice, education/
disabilities, and our work guided livelihood, housing, family life,
by a vision of an inclusive world in and participation in community,
which all people with disabilities in addition to improving access
enjoy their human rights and to health and social care.
achieve their full potential. Our priorities are: Strong voice
of people with psychosocial

and operationalized under the Persons with mental health

KNCHR Act, 2011. KNCHR has a conditions have the right to
broad mandate to promote a respect for inherent dignity,
culture of respect of human rights individual autonomy, legal
in the Republic of Kenya. The capacity, non-discrimination and
operations of KNCHR are guided full participation and inclusion in
by the UN Paris Principles on the society. These individuals, who
establishment and functioning are born free and equal in dignity
KENYA NATIONAL COMMISSION of independent national human and rights, are entitled to pursue
ON HUMAN RIGHTS (KNCHR) rights institutions (NHRI). KNCHR is their hopes, dreams and goals
an ‘A’ Status NHRI as accredited on an equal basis with others.
KNCHR is an independent by the Global Alliance of National
National Human Rights Human Rights Institutions. SMS: 22359
Institution established under WhatsApp: 0798 849 871
Article 59 of the Constitution Email: haki@knchr.org
THE MENTAL HEALTH NURSES Our members offer holistic care

CHAPTER is an affiliate of the to patients across all the 47
National Nurses Association of counties in Kenya. In the line of
Kenya (NNAK), was formed in duty we are faced with many
1994 with the aim of promoting challenges which are not limited
and maintaining quality mental to all forms of physical assault,
health care to individuals, families verbal aggression, stigmatization
and communities at large. by community members just to
Membership consists of all mental list a few. Our laws need to put
health nurses who are licensed in place mechanisms to protect
by the Nursing Council of Kenya. the patient & service provider.
THE MENTAL HEALTH
NURSES CHAPTER
Mobile: +254 721 920567
SMASHING STIGMA ONE CREATIVE and festivals. Headspace254

COLLABORATION AT A TIME is also active in promoting
healthy, mindful environments
HEADSPACE254 is a community in the workplace.
of creative activists smashing
stigma by taking the mental We aim to create a Kenya where
health conversation mainstream. everybody is comfortable talking
about mental health in the same
The creative sector can play a way we talk about a toothache.
huge role in raising awareness Mental health is a big deal.
around mental health using Talking about it shouldn’t be.
all forms of artistic expression
including film, music, painting, Email:
poetry, dance, advertising hello@headspace254.com

HENNET envisions a “a healthy and that, the government
Kenyan society”. It strives to should implement mental
stimulate linkages and strategic health policies, and allocate
partnerships among all Health sufficient funding to address
Sector NGO’s, Governments, such challenges in Kenya.
and Private Sector actors, to
enhance their responses towards Email: admin@hennet.or.ke
the health needs of Kenyans. Tel: +254 20 699 4906
Website: www.hennet.or.ke
As a network, we observe
that; health stakeholders
should prioritize and address
major issues likely to cause
mental health problems;
HERBALISTS SOCIETY OF KENYA They manage such conditions by

educating the families and patients
Mental Health includes emotional, on what mental illness is and then
psychological, and social wellbeing. offer alternative therapies.
It affects our thinking, feelings,
and actions. It determines our Email:
relationships. Mental Health is herbalistssocietykenya@yahoo.com
important at every stage of life from Mobile: 0722 684 270/0734 969 888
childhood through to adulthood.
According to Herbalists, mental

illness is a condition which causes
serious disorder to one’s behaviour.
advocacy and capacity building We congratulate the mover of

with the objective of enacting the Bill, Sen. Arch. Sylvia Kasanga,
and implementing pro-people the Health Committee of Senate
policy and legislation. and the Senate in general for
steering the country towards
A robust policy and legislative this great achievement.
framework is crucial in ensuring
The INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR
that Kenyans get the highest
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (IILA) is a not-
attainable standards of mental Email: info@ilakenya.org
for-profit organization that offers
healthcare as envisioned in Mobile: 0796 409 984
technical support to Government
the Constitution and UHC
Ministries and Agencies, Members Website: www.ilakenya.org
goals. IILA supports the
of Parliament, Civil Society
realization of this noble cause
Organizations (CSOs) and other
as championed by the Mental
stakeholders in the legislative
Health (Amendment) Bill, 2018.
process through research,
policy and legislative drafting,

decade, LRF has worked in the attainable state of physical

administration of justice, human and mental health. This right
rights, and governance thematic extends to persons with physical,
areas targeting both duty bearers mental, intellectual or sensory
& claim holders with a view to impairments. Accordingly, and on
advance access to justice. matters disability, Legal Resources
LRF is a not for profit civil society Foundation Trust envisions a
organization that promotes “Pursuant to Article 43 of the Justice System that is compatible
access to justice through human Constitution of Kenya 2010, and responsive to the unique
rights education, research and Article 16 of the African Charter needs of all forms of disabilities”
policy advocacy initiatives. This on Human and People’s
is achieved through strategic Rights, and Article 13 of the Mobile: +254 722 209 822
partnerships with State and Non Convention on the right of 0735 573 910
– State Actors at both national Persons with Disabilities; every Email: info@lrf-kenya.or.ke
and county levels. For over a person is entitled to the best Website: www.lrf-kenya.or.ke
The German NGO ON THE We operate in the Western

MOVE E.V. strengthens political Region, where we partner
and civil society engagement with local CSOs and work with
related to mental health and County Governments as well
gives those affected by mental as national stakeholders.
illness a voice in society.
You can reach us at
One of our patients puts it info@on-the-move.de
as follows: “With or without
mental illness, I am a human
being. Treat me like one!”
THE OPEN SOCIETY INITIATIVE FOR People don’t feel comfortable

EASTERN AFRICA (OSIEA) was getting mental health care,
founded in 2005 as a part of the necessarily, because they’re
global Open Society Foundations worried that their friends
(OSF) network. OSIEA’s vision is ‘a are going to think they’re
just, inclusive and vibrant Eastern unstable or they’re crazy.
Africa where all people live in
dignity, equality and participate This is what we must demystify.
meaningfully in society’.
Mobile: +254 715 614 126
0735 556 622
Website: www.osiea.org

SUPPORT FOR ADDICTIONS and/or mental disorders and
PREVENTION AND for those indirectly affected
TREATMENT IN AFRICA such as family members,
employees and communities.
SAPTA is a Kenyan international
NGO based in Nairobi which
envisions to a society free from
addictions. It offer professional Mobile: 0757 143 539
support through prevention, Email: info@speakmindlove.org
treatment, and recovery to those
who either are directly affected
by substance use disorders
TINADA YOUTH ORGANIZATION We do this by integrating and

is leading in Mental Health coordinating holistic prevention,
Integrated Program in Western promotion, rehabilitation,
Kenya Counties with focus on mental health rights, financing,
ending stigma and discrimination and advocacy and support;
among persons suffering from with an aim of meeting mental
mental health, neurological health care needs through
and substance use disorders, evidenced-based research.
and increasing their access
to quality mental health care Mobile: +254 724 018 799
services, education opportunities,
leadership involvement &
respect for human rights.
TRUE NORTH runs a treatment As such, we envision to

program for war wounded military progressively adapt mental health
veterans and their families crafted care programs to the needs of
under the insights from personal Military Veterans and their families.
and professional experience
which are benchmarked Mobile: +254 723 324 722
with world practices. Website: www.thetruenorth.co.ke
Our mission is to ensure

Military Veterans live dignified
full lives as human beings,
parents, and spouses in spite
of war related trauma.

6.0 CONCLUSION:
KEY MESSAGES TO
STAKEHOLDERS
6.1 TO PERSONS WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS 6.5 TO PARLIAMENT
Remember that you are a person first and you are Urgently amend the Mental Health Act, 1989.
not your diagnosis. Seek support when you need This law does not respond to developments in
it: this could include support from family, peers the health sector since the coming into force of
and/or professionals. Stand up for yourself when the Constitution in 2010, in particular, the fact
you need to. Make decisions – it is still your life. that health care is now a devolved function.
The law also fails to recognize a person with a
6.2 TO FAMILIES mental health condition as a holder of rights
and an individual with agency. Ensure the
Treat your family member who has a mental active participation of people with mental
health condition with dignity and respect. health conditions in the law reform process.
For example, really listen to the person rather
than dismissing him/her as ‘crazy’. Do not 6.6 TO MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
chain the person, or infringe the person’s
rights in other ways. Do not take over the Really listen to the individual and let the person
person’s life, but rather offer support. He or have the leading role in his/her recovery. Consider
she remains a human being and an important the impact coercion has on the therapeutic
part of the family. Seek support for yourself: relationship and avoid this option. For more
caregivers also need to care for themselves. information on this, see the WHO QualityRights
Toolkit: https://www.who.int/mental_health/
6.3 TO THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT publications/QualityRights_toolkit/en/
The primary task is to develop an enabling 6.7 TO RELIGIOUS LEADERS

environment with County Governments and
other stakeholders, in order to formulate Encourage people to seek medical help
adequate plans, policies, programs and for mental health problems. Allow your
budgets, that identify, disseminate and members to have a range of options to
improve on the general welfare of persons nurture their wellbeing in a holistic manner.
with mental health conditions, as envisioned
in Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya. 6.8 TO INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING
6.4 TO COUNTY GOVERNMENTS Create safe spaces for students to talk

about wellbeing – including emotional and
County Governments should recognize that psychological wellbeing. Accommodate students
Health is a devolved function, and take who have mental health conditions in the structure
responsibility of issues to do with Mental Health by of lessons as well as exams. Invest in peer to peer
allocating respective budgets, and setting up of support as well as availability of professionals such
community based mental healthcare services. as counselors and psychologists. Value all students.

6.9 TO EMPLOYERS
YOUR PRESENCE MATTERS!
Treat your employees as human beings
By Charlene Mutali
rather than as tools of production.
Prioritize the wellbeing of your staff
In and out…Snuffles on the other end of
in terms of conditions for work.
the line. A sign of life but…She’s tired!
6.10 TO MEDIA
Talk, talk. Must stay on the line… She’s tired
of the toxicity that flows from her source.
Show people with mental health conditions
in roles that promote their dignity and
To severe the connection could free her…
respect. Provide a nuanced perspective in
She’s tired. Snuffles, and breathes in & out
stories involving persons with mental health
conditions rather than reinforcing negative
What’s troubling you? I’m here for you. Your
stereotypes about these individuals.
presence matters! I hear you my sister.
6.11 TO VARIOUS ACTORS INVOLVED

Your breathe is enough, I may not understand
IN THE BUDGETING PROCESS
your situation but I’m here for you. She’s tired!
Prioritize mental health as a key area of

It’s OK to cry, it OK to scream, it’s OK to let it
concern, and allocate funding in ways that
out; You are not alone my sister…She’s tired!
are aligned with human rights standards.
Rather than building more institutional facilities
Your breathe is life. Life is you. And you are
on mental health, invest in community based
light. I see you; She mouths t-a-y-a-d.
mental health care, including aftercare
services. Invest in wellness and support services
Hold on, my sister. Help’s on the way. I’ll be
in the community. Fund peer support groups.
your lifeline till help arrives. She’s tired.
6.12 TO ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO

Don’t worry. We’ll find your light. For now
PROMOTE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH
I’ll light your path to your inner glow.
MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
I see you; She’s tired.

Actively engage and involve people
with lived experiences of mental health
Help is on the way. I’m here for you.
conditions and their families in interventions
Help is on the way. I see you…!
on mental health. Remain accountable to
people with mental health conditions.
6.13 TO THE PUBLIC
Educate yourself about mental health and

share what you learn; we need to break the
silence about mental health. Stigma starts and
ends with each one of us. In your language,
jokes and interactions, remember mental
health conditions are invisible, and one in
four persons experiences a mental health
condition at some point in his/her life. Do not
be the reason someone fails to seek help.

7.0 ANNEX:
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS DURING THE HANDBOOK’S VALIDATION MEETING
HELD ON 26TH SEPTEMBER 2019 AT THE KNCHR OFFICE
NAME ORGANISATION
Elizabeth Mutunga Alzheimers & Dementia Organization of Kenya
Immaculate Karanja Befrienders Kenya
Pasqueline Njau Calmind Foundation
Waringa Wagema CMHWK – Consultant*
Mercy Rop Headspace254 – Client Service Executive
Peninah Kamau Health NGO’s Network
Lynnette Etemesi Health Rights Advocacy Forum
Christine Ajulu Health Rights Advocacy Forum
Celine Awour International Institute of Legislative Affairs
Eunice Anyango Institute of Public Finance – Kenya
Fayel Odeny Kenya Association of the Intellectually Handicapped
Naomi June Kenya National Commission On Human Rights
Elizabeth Kamundia Kenya National Commission On Human Rights
Petronilla Mukaindo Kenya National Commission On Human Rights
Sylvia Kooke Legal Resources Foundation Trust – Editor*
Jennifer Kanyura Mathare Liaison Officer
Sen. Sylvia Kasanga Senate
Edward Kakumu Senate – Rapporteur*
Barbra Ati Ulemavu Research Institute
Ruth Masese Users and Survivors of Psychiatry in Kenya
Felicia Mburu Validity Foundation – Editor*
Karanja Esther Validity Foundation
Vitalis Kigai Village Creative – Concept and Layout

NOTES
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THE MANY FACES OF

SENATOR SYLVIA KASANGA

2 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 3

As time went by, this view based solutions to addressing

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 5

6 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

8 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 11

1 2 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 13

1.2.7 WHAT IS PSYCHO- psychological. Important to

• Schizoid disorders such

1 4 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 15

(DEPRESSION) I tend to spend my days helping out with some

1 8 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

I ACCEPTED THE CAREGIVERS

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 19

The voice continued “if you can’t commit

TO FACE THE SAME CHALLENGES After working on my self-esteem, I discovered

As such, I ended up getting into a relationship

2 0 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 21

2 2 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

3.1.2 SENATOR KILONZO

2 4 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

One of the things that you learn from

In workplaces and social settings, you

This kind of stigma is brought about

I SPECIFICALLY by misinformation about mental

I specifically want to emphasize on the issue of

During a mental health conference organized

In addition to this, once members of a family ABOUT BY

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 25

3.1.5 SENATOR SAKAJA

2 6 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

3.2.1 SENATOR LOKORIO PETRONILLA WERE

For a long time, we have misunderstood and misinterpreted

As Counties adopt the Community Health Volunteers (CHVs)

3.2.2 SENATOR HALAKE ABSHIRO SOKA

While a lot of care has gone into looking at human rights

We should also emphasize on research and deliberate data

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 27

3.2.4 SENATOR (PROF.) We must change Kenyan

WE MUST FACTOR IN THE

Drug and alcohol abuse and misuse

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 29

As we have this crucial conversation

3 0 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

WE ALSO NEED TO CREATE MECHANISMS TO ENSURE

3.2.9 SENATOR NYAMUNGA In 2018, one of his friends

The other day, I attended a burial

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 31

3 2 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

In the first instance, it is very clear what the Bill stands

T HE MA N Y FA C ES O F MEN TA L HEA LT H I N KE NYA 33

I must confess that I have had mental health

I would like to remind everybody that we all go

LIKE ANY OTHER

3.3.4 SENATOR (DR.) LANGAT CHRISTOPHER ANDREW

This Bill provides for an effective framework that

Stigma and shame has caused people living with

3 4 T H E M A N Y FA CE S OF MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA

• Schizoid disorders such

• T he National and County governments

• Nairobi - high cost of living and