Kenya leads continental charge in advancing mental health

Kenya has solidified its position as a hub for continental healthcare innovation by hosting the second edition of the Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP).

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Held at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the two-week intensive training brings together professionals from 17 African countries to bridge the gap in mental health governance and care.

Presiding over the launch on Monday, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, underscored the gravity of the crisis.

“In Kenya, approximately one in four people seeking medical care has an underlying mental health condition,”Muthoni stated, emphasising that mental wellness is the essential backbone of any functional health system.

Muthoni highlighted Kenya’s legislative strides, including the Mental Health (Amendment) Act of 2022 and the integration of mental health into the Primary Health Care Act.

Crucially, she noted that the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) now includes a dedicated mental health package, removing significant financial barriers to care.

Beyond policy, she made a plea for cultural shifts, stating that vulnerability is not a weakness and urging Kenyans to encourage a culture where seeking help is viewed as a point of strength.

The programme, running until May 1, 2026, is designed to equip a diverse cohort ranging from psychiatrists and nurses to policymakers and media leaders with the leadership skills necessary to implement evidence-based interventions.

KMTC CEO Dr Kelly Oluoch pointed out that the timing is impeccable, as Nairobi prepares to host the World Health Summit, further cementing Kenya's role in global health discourse.

KMTC’s commitment is backed by tangible infrastructure, including a Centre of Excellence at the Mathare Campus and specialised programmes across seven campuses. Partnerships with private sector players like Johnson & Johnson have already facilitated the training of over 200 health workers.

Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz, Head of Disease Control and Prevention at Africa CDC, explained the choice of venue by noting that KMTC fit the profile of the premier institution needed for such a partnership.

Kenya is currently hosting the East African segment of five similar programmes across the continent, and discussions are already underway to permanently integrate this leadership course into the KMTC curriculum to ensure ongoing capacity development.

With the World Health Organization reporting that 75 per cent of people with mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment, this initiative moves beyond clinical training.

It addresses the structural, social, and human gaps required to build a resilient, mentally healthy Africa.