Kirinyaga marks World Suicide Prevention Day with call to break silence on mental health

The call was made Thursday as the county joined the rest of the world in marking World Suicide Prevention Day under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” and the call to action “Start the Conversation.”

Speaking on behalf of the County Executive Committee Member for Health, CECM for Gender and Youth Millicent Ngari said suicide prevention required a collective response involving families, communities, health professionals, schools and government agencies.

She said the county was strengthening mental health services, referral systems and community awareness while implementing national policies and guidelines on suicide prevention.

Ngari said the county was also prioritising mental health in health financing, expanding the mental health workforce, improving access to essential medicines and strengthening referral and emergency care services.

She said multi-sectoral forums bringing together health, education, youth affairs, social services, faith-based organisations and community networks were also being established to improve coordination in suicide prevention.

“Prevention should not begin only after a crisis occurs,” Ngari said, stressing the importance of identifying signs of distress early and ensuring people receive timely support.

She also called for a shift in how society responds to people experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental illness, warning against describing them as weak, selfish or attention-seeking.

County data shows that 40 suicide cases were recorded between January and August 2026, involving 33 men and seven women.

The figures came as survivors of mental health challenges shared their experiences during the World Suicide Prevention Day activities in Kutus, highlighting the importance of treatment, support and early intervention.

Mary Mwaura, a county mental health worker who disclosed that she had previously attempted to take her own life, said surviving the attempt changed her outlook and eventually led her into mental health advocacy.

She urged people experiencing difficult moments not to suffer in silence but to talk to someone and seek professional help.

“Everyone can fall victim to mental health issues,” Mwaura said, calling on families and communities to respond to people experiencing mental health challenges with compassion rather than judgment.

Another survivor, Fredrick Bundi, who has been receiving treatment for a mental health condition since 2002, encouraged patients to remain committed to treatment and follow medical advice.

Bundi said adherence to treatment had helped him make progress and urged others facing similar challenges not to lose hope.

Kule Godana, a mental health worker at Kerugoya Hospital, said substance abuse, family conflicts and economic hardship were among the factors contributing to mental health challenges, particularly among young people.

She cited bhang, Kuber and miraa among substances associated with some mental health cases, while also pointing to family instability and financial difficulties as sources of distress.

Godana urged families to seek professional assistance when they notice signs of mental health problems instead of concealing affected relatives because of stigma.

The day's activities began with a public awareness procession through Kutus town, bringing together county officials, health workers, mental health professionals, students, members of the public and survivors.

The county said the event was aimed at encouraging open conversations about mental health and ensuring that discussions about suicide prevention are linked to accessible care and support.