Kenya has unveiled its first national clinical guidelines for managing common mental disorders, marking a significant step towards tackling the growing mental health crisis in the country. The guidelines, launched alongside an online mental health training program based on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), aim to bridge the treatment gap and improve mental health literacy among primary healthcare workers.

During the launch, Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth emphasised the urgent need to address mental health issues, highlighting that low mental health literacy among healthcare workers and inadequate diagnosis have worsened the situation. “These guidelines are designed to be used by various healthcare workers without specialised mental health training,” said Dr. Amoth.

The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for the identification and treatment of common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, at the primary healthcare level. They include diagnostic tools, psychosocial and pharmacological treatment options, and special considerations for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with co-existing physical conditions.

Dr. Amoth noted that an estimated 75% of mental health cases in Kenya remain untreated, leaving millions at risk. “Evidence shows that 42% of individuals seeking care in primary health facilities have symptoms of severe depression, with a national prevalence of common mental disorders like depression and anxiety estimated at 10.3%,” he stated. He further cited a study from Nandi County showing that nearly half of the population had experienced at least one mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most prevalent.

The introduction of these guidelines comes as Kenya observes World Suicide Prevention Day, with this year’s theme being “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” The theme emphasises the importance of open dialogue to reduce stigma and prevent suicide.

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The new guidelines are expected to empower healthcare workers to better diagnose and treat mental health conditions, thus ensuring that mental health care becomes more accessible to all Kenyans.