The 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, with the theme “For the People, For Prosperity:
Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice” has created an opportunity in what may be a transformative moment in Kenya’s mental health journey.

Kenya is grappling with an escalating mental health emergency—one that remains largely under the radar but carries devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities.

National estimates and World Bank figures indicate that every single day, four Kenyans die by suicide, yet 75% of those who need mental health care can’t access any services.

Additionally, rates hover around 11 suicides per 100,000 people. Among those seeking general outpatient services, up to 25% live with a mental health condition, yet few receive proper support.

In Nandi County, a study revealed that 45% of participants reported a lifetime diagnosis of a mental disorder, but only 1.7% had ever received treatment.

While speaking to TV47, Thalia Psychotherapy (Mindful Kenya) COO Mercy Mwende proposed the integration of mental health treatment into every hospital and clinic nationwide.

“We have a very keen interest in making sure that mental health is integrated into our health care system, like the triage; when you go to the hospital, they check your weight, and they check your BP (blood pressure). How about if they checked your mental health?” she said.

By piggybacking on existing infrastructure and offering trained professionals, digital screening tools, and operational systems, the model seeks to deliver sustainable, locally anchored care, finally bringing mental health into everyday healthcare access across the country.