NAIROBI, Kenya — In a small one-room bedsitter in Kayole, 23-year-old Eva stares at the ceiling. It’s 11 a.m. and she hasn’t left the bed. Not because she’s lazy, but because she can’t. “Every morning, I feel like a stone is sitting on my chest,” she whispers. “I brush my teeth because I have to. Then I lie down and scroll TikTok to feel less alone.”
Eva is one of thousands of young Kenyans silently battling mental health issues in a society where therapy is still stigmatized, expensive, or simply unavailable.
A Country Struggling in Silence
Mental health conditions are on the rise in Kenya. The Ministry of Health estimates that 1 in every 4 Kenyans suffers from a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are most common.
But only 62 psychiatrists serve a population of over 50 million. That’s roughly 1 psychiatrist for every 800,000 people.
“We are facing an epidemic of quiet suffering,” says Dr. Wambua, a clinical psychologist based in Nairobi. “Most people come to us only when they hit rock bottom.”
When Culture Meets Crisis
In many Kenyan households, mental illness is still misunderstood. It’s often spiritualized, dismissed as weakness, or joked about. For men especially, opening up is seen as a threat to masculinity.
“My dad told me to pray more,” says Collins, a 30-year-old IT specialist who had a panic attack at work. “But I needed medical help, not a sermon.”
Religious leaders, while well-meaning, are often the first point of contact. Yet many lack training in psychological care.
Social Media: Comfort or Curse?
Social media has become a double-edged sword. Platforms like TikTok and X provide community, but also increase pressure to appear perfect.
“You post memes about being depressed, and people laugh. But behind the jokes, there’s real pain,” says Brenda, a university student in Eldoret.
The rise of content creators normalizing therapy and speaking openly about their mental health is helping reduce stigma, especially among Gen Z.
Therapy for the Few
Sessions with a licensed therapist can cost anywhere between KSh 1,500 to KSh 5,000 per hour. That puts quality care out of reach for most Kenyans.
Public hospitals do offer mental health services, but the wait times can stretch weeks. NGOs like Chiromo Hospital Group, Africa Mental Health Foundation, and Amref are trying to bridge the gap, but the demand far outweighs the supply.
“I went to a county hospital in Embu,” says Jane, a teacher. “They gave me sleeping pills and told me to rest. That was the therapy.”
Youth on the Edge
University students are especially vulnerable. Pressure from academics, unemployment, and social comparison creates a perfect storm.
“Two of my hostelmates attempted suicide last semester,” says Moses, a 4th-year student at UoN. “But the university only brought a counselor once, then moved on.”
Many campuses lack full-time counselors, and students fear being labeled unstable if they seek help.
A Way Forward
Experts are calling for:
- Integration of mental health in primary healthcare
- Subsidized or free counseling services
- School-based mental health programs
- Government campaigns to normalize therapy and reduce stigma
Kenya’s Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2022 was a step forward, mandating county-level support. But implementation remains slow.
“We don’t need more awareness days. We need funding, professionals, and compassion,” says Dr. Wambua.
Hope in Community
In the meantime, grassroots groups are stepping in. Youth-led initiatives like Mindful Kenya, Wellness KE, and church-based support circles are offering free group therapy, mental health training, and digital support.
“Sometimes healing starts with knowing you’re not alone,” says Eva, who recently joined a virtual support group.
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Month this May, one message rings true across the nation: It’s okay not to be okay. But it’s not okay to suffer in silence.
Do You Need Help?
- Call the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline: 1199 (Free)
- Contact Chiromo Mental Health Hospital: +254 711 611 646
- Reach out to Mindful Kenya on Instagram: @mindful_kenya
