Raila Raises Alarm over Growing Cases of Mental Illness Among Kenyans

ODM leader Raila Odinga has expressed concern over the increased cases of mental health issues among Kenyans. 

Odinga, through his social media pages on Friday, called on Kenyans to embrace those suffering from mental problems and encourage them to seek treatment.

“I’m deeply concerned and alarmed about the reported increase in numbers of our people battling mental illness. Instead of ostracizing and labeling those in that lonely corner, let us embrace and encourage them to seek treatment,” Odinga wrote.

He continued: “When was the last time you checked on your children, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and loved ones? We all need someone at times...reach out to someone today." 

Last year, a taskforce formed to investigate the status of mental health among Kenyans submitted its report to the Health Ministry.

The team chaired by Dr. Frank Njenga, a psychologist, found out that mental health issues are deep-rooted in the country, with one in ten Kenyans suffering from a common mental disorder.

The report made a raft of recommendations including the declaration of mental health as a national disaster and setting up of an independent Mental Health Commission to exclusively monitor Kenyans’ happiness levels and compile a report annually.

The taskforce also urged the government to adequately fund mental health services to encourage Kenyans to open up and share their problems without worrying about how much it will cost them to treat the disorders.

President Kenyatta ordered the establishment of the taskforce in 2019 following a surge in cases of murder and suicide linked to depression and mental illness.