Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa has called on the government to declare mental health a national disaster.
He emphasised the urgent need for increased attention and resources to
tackle mental health.
Speaking at the launch of the mental health app Ajala at Thalia Psychotherapy’s offices, Eugene highlighted the widespread mental health crisis affecting various segments of the population.
“Currently, mental health is sidelined by policymakers, who fail to recognize that we are a sick nation,” he stated.
He noted that individuals from all walks of life including bodaboda operators, market vendors, military personnel, and teachers are grappling with mental health challenges exacerbated by financial pressures.
Eugene urged county governments to collaborate with private partners in the mental health sector.
“We hope that the Council of Governors will engage with new partners like Ajala, which uses AI and innovative solutions to address these growing challenges,” the DAP-K party leader said.
As the country approaches World Mental Health Day on October 10, he stated that there is little to celebrate, given the pervasive unhappiness and financial strain many Kenyans face.
He also emphasized the importance of mental health screening for leaders, suggesting that many current issues in the country might be tied to the mental well-being of those in power.
“With the national focus on trivial political disputes, we are losing sight of the real struggles faced by everyday Kenyans—issues like unaffordable education costs and rising suicide rates among youth,” he said.
During the launch event, mental health survivors shared their struggles, highlighting the stigma and lack of awareness surrounding mental health issues.
John Mwangi, a banker and multiple suicide survivor, opened up about his battle with bipolar disorder.
“The stigma surrounding mental health is crippling. When people hear you're in a mental health facility, they label you as ‘mad,’” he explained.
Mwangi recounted how his mental health challenges led to the loss of his family, finances, and health, emphasizing that access to resources like Ajala could have changed his journey.
Nderitu Gikaara, a recovering alcoholic and addiction counsellor, also shared his experience.
“After 25 years of addiction, I found sobriety in prison, where alcohol was inaccessible. I struggled with PTSD and ADHD but had no one to talk to,” he said, illustrating the need for better support systems for those facing mental health challenges.
Mercy Mwende, Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of Thalia Psychotherapy and the Ajala app, encouraged individuals to speak openly about their mental health.
“Ajala offers a platform for anonymous support. With the tagline ‘fungua roho bila judgment,’ we invite people to dial *702*34# to connect with someone who will listen,” she said.
As the nation prepares for World Mental Health Day, Mwende stressed the importance of normalizing discussions about mental health.
“Let’s make it a habit to check in on each other’s mental well-being, even in casual conversations,” she urged.