Stakeholders in the education sector are advocating for increased awareness and proactive measures to tackle mental health issues among students in tertiary and higher learning institutions.
They emphasize that mental illnesses, particularly among the youth, are a pressing concern that demands urgent attention and a multi-faceted approach.
Led by Lydia Macharia, Manager of People and Talent Development at PFK Kenya, the group expressed alarm over a significant rise in mental disorders, suicide rates, and violence in educational institutions, noting that many of these issues stem from mental health challenges.
Macharia described mental illness as a pandemic that has deprived the country of its promising youth, urging for immediate action through collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders.
Speaking at the Career Fair at Zetech University’s Thika Road campus in Ruiru, Kiambu County, she stated, “We must create awareness and invest in counseling and mentorship to combat this crisis [mental illness] that is affecting our educational institutions.”
She encouraged students to seek help from counselors and mentors, confiding in them about their struggles to help prevent deeper issues like depression.
Macharia stressed the importance of universities and tertiary institutions implementing measures and resources to address students’ mental health challenges.
“Research indicates that about 75 percent of mental illnesses manifest during the teenage years, particularly in college or university. It’s crucial to have appropriate facilities and resources in place to support these students as they navigate their academic lives,” she said.
Prof. Owen Ngumi, Dean of the School of Education, Arts, and Social Sciences at Zetech University, noted that the institution has established structures to promote the health and well-being of students, staff, and the community.
He mentioned that the university has a dedicated Student Welfare Department and a well-supported counseling faculty, offering individualized and peer counseling, as well as referrals to mental health professionals.
Prof. Ngumi also shared that Zetech University has launched a psycho-education program for first-year students, providing mentorship and training to help them cope with university life and avoid mental distress and anti-social behaviors.
“This program aims to support students in managing issues that could lead to mental health disorders during their time at university,” he explained.
Sophia Kihanda, General Manager of Paleo Hotels, urged parents to take their parenting responsibilities seriously, suggesting that many have neglected their duties, contributing to their children’s social challenges.
The Kenyan National Commission of Human Rights (KNHRC) estimates that between 25% and 40% of outpatients and inpatients experience mental health conditions, with the most common diagnoses including depression, substance abuse, stress, and anxiety disorders.
