Concern over mental health as Kirinyaga records 40 suicide deaths in eight months

The figures, which include 33 men and seven women, have raised concern over mental health in the county as Kenya joins the world in marking Suicide Prevention Month in September, with September 10 observed globally as World Suicide Prevention Day.

Speaking at Kutus Trading Centre during World Suicide Prevention Day commemorations on Thursday, Kirinyaga County Gender and Youth CEC Millicent Ngari said the county was concerned by the number of suicide cases and called for greater openness in discussing mental health challenges.

Ngari said some cases begin with challenges within families, while school-going children have also been affected.

“We have had cases where parents take their own lives and those of their young ones, which is very pathetic. We have also had cases of school-going children taking their lives and it is not good,” she said.

She urged families, churches and community leaders to create safe spaces where people, particularly men and young people, can discuss their struggles and seek help before reaching a crisis point.

Ngari said the county has facilities equipped to provide mental health services, including a fully-fledged mental health unit at Kerugoya Level Four Hospital.

“We have a mental health unit at Kerugoya Level Four Hospital to address the increasing mental health cases,” she said.

The CEC particularly urged men to speak openly about their challenges, noting that social expectations may discourage them from seeking help.

“It is very unfortunate and we are encouraging men to talk. Let them share their problems, let them not die alone, let them discuss them,” Ngari said.

Residents also expressed concern over what they described as the frequent occurrence of suicide cases in the county.

“There is a time I can remember eight people committed suicide in one day. We don't know what's happening,” resident Joyce Wairimu said.

Sophia Wangithi Njeru, who shared her lived experience of mental health challenges, said her struggles began in 1992 after she failed to secure a university place despite performing well in secondary school.

Njeru said she has since sought professional help and continues to attend regular clinic appointments.

“I go to the clinic every month and I keep myself happy without stress,” she said.

Kirinyaga County Public Health Officer Kule Dido Godana also urged residents, particularly men, to seek professional help when experiencing mental health challenges.