The warning by Public Health PS Mary Muthoni that one in four Kenyans seeking care is grappling with a mental health condition should jolt us into urgent reflection and action.
These are not abstract numbers—they are our relatives, friends and colleagues.
Most of these cases are driven by social, economic and environmental pressures.
Yet stigma remains our greatest barrier. Too often, those struggling are dismissed as “mad", silenced by shame or ignored until their condition worsens.
This attitude is not only harmful—it is dangerous. It delays treatment, isolates individuals and deepens suffering that could otherwise be managed with timely support.
The call by experts at the Nanyuki forum to move beyond hospital-based care is both timely and necessary. Community-based systems—schools, workplaces, faith groups and local networks—must become safe spaces for early intervention and support.
Every Kenyan has a role to play. Listen without judgment.
Speak up against stigma. Encourage those in distress to seek help.
Mental health is not a personal weakness; it is a shared human reality. If we are to build a resilient nation, compassion must lead the way.
Quote of the Day: "It is never too late to be wise."—English novelist Daniel Defoe published 'Robinson Crusoe', regarded as the first English novel, on April 25, 1719