Mental health facilities are few, scattered and very expensive

Many Kenyans suffer from mental illness without being accorded proper treatment. Sadly, their tribulations are  attributed to witchcraft, curse, evil spirits or drugs. Others blame poverty or even genes.

Currently, there is inadequate data and information on the prevalence of mental health, neurological, and substance use (MNS) cases. However, according to the Ministry of Health, up to 25 per cent of outpatients and 40 per cent of in-patients in health facilities suffer from mental conditions. Yet, Kenya has fewer experts in mental health with treatment facilities found mostly in Nairobi.