Kenya is set to decentralize mental health services to the grassroots, a move aimed at building an inclusive, sustainable, and accessible mental health system for all.
Speaking at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the move is supported by 107,000 digitally empowered Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who are delivering early, person-centered care at the community level.
In his remarks, Duale called for strong collaboration across national and county governments, schools, faith institutions, civil society and the private sector to build a united and inclusive national response.
The CS who spoke Wednesday when he presided over the official opening of the 2nd National Mental Health Conference 2025, held under the theme, “Securing the Future: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health for Generations”, reaffirmed its leadership in global mental health advocacy.
The three-day conference builds on the gains of the inaugural edition, focusing on advancing a holistic and intergenerational response to Kenya’s mental health needs.
The conference brings together experts from government, academia and civil society to chart a shared roadmap for a mentally healthy Kenya.
Further, Duale noted that mental health services have now been integrated into the national insurance benefits package.
“Through the Taifa Care Model and the Social Health Authority (SHA), mental health services have now been integrated into the national insurance benefits package, ensuring that quality mental healthcare is accessible to every Kenyan.” Noted Duale.
The CS remarked that the Ministry of Health continues to reform how mental health is perceived, financed and delivered, anchoring it firmly within Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a fundamental human right that guarantees dignity, access and protection for all.
“Guided by the Mental Health Act, 2023 and the Kenya Mental Health Policy, the Ministry of Health continues to reform how mental health is perceived, financed and delivered, anchoring it firmly within Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a fundamental human right that guarantees dignity, access and protection for all.” He said.
The event was hosted by Dr. Mercy Karanja, Acting Head of the Mental Health Division, and attended by Dr. Frank Njenga, former Presidential Advisor on Mental Health; Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services; and partners from Johnson & Johnson, Aga Khan University Hospital, Amref Health Africa and the Council of Governors (CoG) represented by Jemimah Kuta.
