The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Bomet Gender Secretary Evalyne Chepkirui Sanguya has called for the urgent declaration of mental health as a national disaster, warning that Kenya is grappling with a silent crisis that continues to devastate individuals, families and the economy.
Sanguya said the country’s mental health system remains critically underdeveloped, with nearly 75 percent of those in need unable to access care.
She noted that close to half of Kenya’s counties lack psychiatric units, leaving many communities without essential services.
“This is no longer a hidden issue. It is a national emergency unfolding quietly in our homes, schools, and workplaces,” she said.
She pointed to the heavy economic burden caused by untreated mental health conditions, estimated at Ksh62.2 billion annually.
According to Sanguya, lost productivity due to absenteeism, reduced efficiency at work and premature deaths linked to suicide are significantly affecting national development.
Of particular concern, she said, is the growing crisis among young people.
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With about 41 percent of youth aged 18 to 34 reportedly struggling with mental health challenges, Sanguya warned that the country risks losing a critical segment of its future workforce.
“Our youth are the backbone of this nation, yet many are battling unseen struggles without support. This threatens not just individuals, but the stability of our future,” she added
Sanguya also criticized the minimal budget allocation to mental health, currently standing at less than 0.01 percent of the national health budget.
She said the neglect has led to outdated infrastructure and a severe shortage of professionals.
The Gender Secretary argued that declaring mental health a national disaster would trigger immediate action, including increased funding, integration of mental health services into routine healthcare and reforms such as the decriminalization of suicide attempts.
“We must move from stigma to solutions. Mental health is not a luxury,it is a necessity for survival and national progress,” she said.
Sanguya further called for stronger workplace protections to ensure that individuals facing mental health challenges are supported rather than discriminated against.
As the debate gains traction, her remarks add to growing calls for government intervention, with stakeholders warning that failure to act decisively could deepen the crisis and its far-reaching consequences.
By Philip Koech
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