Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), has urged the government to declare mental health a national disaster, emphasizing the critical need for more attention and resources to address the mental health crisis.
Speaking at the launch of the mental health app Ajala at Thalia Psychotherapy’s offices, Wamalwa highlighted the widespread issues affecting various demographics. “Currently, mental health is overlooked by policymakers, who fail to recognize that we are a sick nation,” he stated.
He pointed out that individuals across different sectors, including bodaboda operators, market vendors, military personnel, and teachers, are struggling with mental health challenges, exacerbated by financial stress.
Wamalwa called for county governments to collaborate with private sector partners in mental health. “We hope the Council of Governors will engage with innovative partners like Ajala, which uses AI solutions to address these pressing challenges,” he added.
With World Mental Health Day approaching on October 10, he remarked that there is little cause for celebration given the widespread unhappiness and financial pressures many Kenyans are experiencing. He also stressed the need for mental health screenings for leaders, suggesting that many of the nation’s current issues may be linked 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—such as unaffordable education and increasing youth suicide rates,” he said.
During the event, mental health survivors shared their stories, shedding light on 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, stating, “The stigma surrounding mental health is crippling. When people learn you’re in a mental health facility, they label you as ‘mad.’”
Mwangi reflected on how his mental health struggles led to the loss of his family, finances, and health, emphasizing that access to resources like Ajala could have changed his path.
Nderitu Gikaara, a recovering alcoholic and addiction counselor, 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, highlighting the need for better support systems.
Mercy Mwende, Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of Thalia Psychotherapy and the Ajala app, encouraged open discussions about mental health. “Ajala offers a platform for anonymous support. With the tagline ‘fungua roho bila judgment,’ we invite people to dial 70234# to connect with someone who will listen,” she said.
As the nation gears up for World Mental Health Day, Mwende emphasized the importance of normalizing mental health conversations. “Let’s make it a habit to check in on each other’s mental well-being, even in casual conversations,” she urged.
