Speaking at Mathari Hospital, Dr Deborah Baraza, Health Cabinet Secretary, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
"Mental health problems extend far beyond individuals. They impact families, communities, and society at large, affecting the socio-economic growth of Kenya," she said.
The gravity of Kenya's mental health crisis is further reflected in alarming suicide statistics.
According to the WHO, approximately 1,408 people die by suicide in Kenya annually, with the rate standing at 3.2 per 100,000 population.
However, experts believe these numbers are likely underreported due to the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues.
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with MNTRH, has launched a five-year strategic plan for 2024-2029. This initiative signals a new era in mental health care for the nation.
Dr Julius Ogato, CEO of MNTRH, emphasized the importance of this plan, stating, "This strategic plan serves as a launch pad towards restructuring care as we focus on the future while adopting best practices and leveraging technology."
The MNTRH Strategic Plan 2024-2029 focuses on three key thematic areas: operational excellence, quality mental healthcare, and growth and development.
Dr Charity Muraguri, representing the chairman of the board of directors of MNTRH, highlighted that the plan is supported by a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track set objectives.
"A total of over Sh40 billion will be needed in the next five years to fully implement this strategic plan," Dr Muraguri said.
This year's World Mental Health Day theme underscores the critical role that workplaces play in shaping mental health. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Health has developed Kenya's first National Guidelines on Workplace Mental Wellness.
These guidelines highlight a collaborative approach to creating a healthy work environment, focusing on three key strategies: promotion, prevention, and care and support for employees.
Dr Baraza directed that "all employers implement the National Guidelines on Mental Wellness" as part of the government's commitment to improving mental health in the workplace.
This directive aims to enhance employee well-being, boost productivity, and contribute to overall socio-economic development.
Despite these positive steps, Kenya still faces significant challenges in addressing mental health issues. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has highlighted the dire state of mental health care in the country.
According to their reports, MNTRH, the largest mental health facility in Kenya, struggles with overcrowding and inadequate resources. The hospital, designed to accommodate 1,500 patients, often houses over 2,000, with many forced to sleep on the floor due to lack of beds.
Furthermore, KNCHR estimates that over 75 per cent of Kenyans with mental health conditions go undiagnosed and untreated. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health reform in the country.
"The hospital is in dire need of acute psychosis wards. People who have acute psychosis and acute mental illness require intensive care, like the people who are in the intensive care unit. Unfortunately, here, we need them in the same ward, which is not good for the patients who are on their way to recovery, and it puts a strain on the workers," said Dr Ogato.
"By working together, we can create a world where everyone can enjoy good mental health," Dr Baraza said. "Let us commit to breaking down barriers, fostering empathy, and building a society that values and supports the mental well-being of all."