DP Kindiki calls on church to help address mental health problems among youth

Speaking during the launch of the Social Economic and Psychological Transformation Programme by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Nairobi, Kindiki said the government values its partnership with the Church and considers it a critical stakeholder in national development.

The Deputy President praised the Anglican Church of Kenya for its long-standing contribution to the country's growth through investments in education, healthcare, community development and social empowerment.

He said the government views the Church as an important partner in building the nation, noting that its role extends beyond spiritual guidance to improving the overall well-being of citizens.

"The Government values the contribution the Church plays in the growth of our Republic. I want to recognize the role the Anglican Church has played since the beginning of our country. The Anglican Church is among the churches that have contributed greatly to the development of our nation," Kindiki said.

The Deputy President commended the ACK's extensive network of institutions, including schools, children's homes, training centres and business enterprises, saying they demonstrate the Church's commitment to holistic human development.

He said Christianity should not only focus on spiritual matters but also on empowering individuals intellectually, socially and economically.

Kindiki further urged the Church to complement government efforts by helping to strengthen what he termed the "software" of national development.

While the government is responsible for building roads, hospitals, water systems and electricity infrastructure, he said faith institutions have a crucial responsibility to nurture the moral, spiritual and psychological well-being of citizens.

"As we provide roads, build hospitals, and provide electricity for the people of Kenya, we want the Church to help us improve the spiritual lives of the people of Kenya because the roads, water, and electricity constitute the hardware of our national development. The spiritual well-being of the people of Kenya represents the software of our national development," he said.

The Deputy President warned that physical development alone would not guarantee national progress if citizens continued to struggle with spiritual and mental challenges.

He noted that many young people are educated, employed and economically empowered but still face significant personal and psychological difficulties.

Kindiki also referenced the recent deaths of students at Utumishi Girls in Nakuru and said preliminary investigations point to deeper challenges affecting young people.

"We are mourning the death of so many children, innocent children who should not have died. The investigations so far are pointing to a disturbed student population in that particular school, just like in other schools," he said.

The Deputy President called on parents, religious leaders, educators, government officials and the private sector to work together in mentoring young people and promoting non-violent ways of dealing with life's challenges.

He said violence, destruction of property and self-harm should never be viewed as solutions to personal struggles.

Kindiki also appealed to faith institutions to intensify efforts aimed at strengthening family values, promoting unity and supporting mental health initiatives for children, youth and adults.

He expressed confidence that Kenya's development goals would be achieved if investments in infrastructure are matched by efforts to build a morally upright, spiritually grounded and patriotic population.

"The most important thing we crave from the Church is your prayers and support for the nation and for the families of the Republic of Kenya," he said.

The Social Economic and Psychological Transformation Programme launched by the ACK Diocese of Nairobi seeks to enhance social welfare, economic empowerment and psychological support among communities through faith-based interventions.