Kiambu: Concern over cases of death by suicide

According to Dr Linet Kendi, the Mental Health Coordinator for Kiambu County, out of 489 suicide cases reported nationally two years ago, 109 occurred in Kiambu, marking a significant mental health challenge for the region. 

She emphasized the need for collaboration between the county and other institutions to improve mental health support. 

"These figures reflect the critical mental health situation in Kiambu, and we must work together to ensure mental health services are accessible and effective," she said during an event at Thika Level 5 Hospital held to mark World Mental Health Day. 

The theme for this year's celebration is "Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace." 

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in four people worldwide will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. 

Kendi stressed the importance of prioritizing mental health in workplaces, creating safe spaces for open conversations, and eliminating stigma around mental health issues. 

She urged counties to provide adequate infrastructure and resources to address the growing mental health crisis in communities. 

Nursing officer and fistula consultant, Betty Kasyoka, highlighted the surge in psychiatric cases in Kiambu following the crackdown on illicit brews in Central Kenya.

"Before 2018, most psychiatric cases in Kiambu were handled at Thika and Kiambu Level 5 Hospitals.  However, the crackdown led to an increase in cases, prompting the county government to establish psychiatric units in every sub-county," she explained.

These units now provide critical care, with nurses, clinical officers, and psychiatrists on staff in major facilities. 

Dr. Charles Kabiru, the medical superintendent at Thika Level 5 Hospital, shared that the hospital offers debriefing services for staff to support their mental well-being. 

Dr. Linet Karanja, a manager at Avenue Hospital in Thika, noted that the majority of mental illness cases they receive involve individuals between the ages of 25 and 40, with many suffering from depression linked to substance abuse and financial instability during the early stages of marriage. 

Catherine Kangangi, a lead clinical psychologist at Integrated Holistic Psychotherapy, urged employers to prioritize the mental well-being of their employees.

"Many workers are struggling with mental health issues due to heavy workloads. There is a need for more platforms where employees can speak openly about their struggles without fear or stigma," she said. 

Experts across the board are calling for mental health to be given greater attention, particularly in the workplace, to combat the rising mental health issues in Kiambu and beyond.