Kenya and Africa must prioritise mental health for wellbeing of society

Mental wellness is a vital component of societal health, economic productivity, and overall development. Unfortunately, its costs—both financial and human—are often underestimated in policy planning and resource allocation. In Kenya and across Africa, mental health remains marginalized, despite its significant social and economic implications.

In Kenya, about 25% of outpatient visits and 40% of inpatient admissions to health facilities relate to mental health conditions, according to the Ministry of Health.

Conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder are prevalent, with 1 in 4 Kenyans likely to experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives.

The economic burden is staggering; the African Mental Health Research and Training Foundation estimates Kenya loses nearly Sh50 billion ($340 million) annually due to productivity losses linked to mental health challenges.

Access to mental health services is critically limited in Kenya, which has fewer than 100 practicing psychiatrists for a population of over 53 million.

Most mental health facilities are concentrated in urban centers. The costs of seeking mental health care, combined with cultural stigma, hinder many from accessing the help they need.

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Counseling fees can range from Sh1,500 to Sh5,000 per session, which is prohibitive for a significant portion of the population, with nearly 36% living below the poverty line.

The situation across Africa is similarly bleak. In South Africa, mental health-related absenteeism costs business $2.2 billion each year. In Nigeria, depression affects around 7 million people, with only a fraction receiving adequate treatment. These figures underscore the urgent need to integrate mental wellness into broader health and development agendas across the continent.

As mental health gains recognition as a public health crisis, international efforts are increasing to address it. The United Nations has included “mental health and well-being” in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly under SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being. While this global spotlight is crucial, challenges remain in translating these aspirations into tangible improvements, especially in resource-limited settings like Kenya.

Men are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues due to social norms that discourage vulnerability. The stereotype of the ‘strong African man’ often prevents men from seeking help, resulting in higher rates of untreated depression and substance abuse. This is reflected in the rising suicide rate among young men in Kenya and other African countries, where 75% of suicides involve men aged 15-34.

Addressing the true cost of mental wellness begins with breaking the silence surrounding mental health.

In Kenya, the Mental Health Amendment Bill 2022 was a step in the right direction, aiming to prioritize mental health and establish a mental health board to advise the government. However, legislation alone cannot solve the issue; increased funding, community engagement, and partnerships across public and private sectors are essential.

Expanding mental health coverage through the Social Health Authority Fund (SHIF) would enhance accessibility and affordability. Integrating mental health into primary healthcare could help reduce stigma and ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

The cost of inaction on mental wellness far exceeds the investment required to address it. Countries like Rwanda and Ghana have demonstrated that strategic planning and resource allocation can significantly improve mental health outcomes.

Ultimately, neglecting mental wellness results in lost lives, reduced productivity, and societal strain. To confront this crisis, Kenya and Africa must prioritize mental health, recognizing its profound impact on all sectors.

Global partnerships, increased funding, and culturally relevant strategies are vital to making mental wellness a reality for all. Only then can we ensure that mental health is viewed not as a luxury but as a fundamental human right accessible to every Kenyan and African.

Ann is a human resource and partnership manager at the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance.