Lately, Nairobi somewhat feels like a cursed city. Beyond the skyscrapers and energetic citizens lies a deep wound that most individuals battle with by night. 

Every week, something weird seems to be happening, evidenced not only by news bulletins but also real-life happenings.

The bulletin is filled with alarming stories of residents who have committed suicide, couples killing each other, and let’s not forget the recent abductions and killings that have put young people as well as families on the edge.

Inside the invisible four walls of residential apartments and homes, married people are battling depression owing to marital issues, including finances and infidelity —typical of most Nairobi relationships.

Divorces are on the rise, and single parenting is proving an uphill task for many.  

In the corporate world, the situation is dire. There is a growing concern of city employees battling depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues owing to poor pay, bad working conditions, excessive workload, and lack of job control among many other risk factors.  

And men’s kamukunjis at designated areas like the Jeevanjee Gardens, outside City Hall, and in bars and joints say it all.

Some have lost jobs, others marriages and family, and it’s only here that they get to hold each other down. 

In the CBD, you won’t miss an angered citizen complaining about this or that. Don’t forget the boda boda riders and matatu conductors who are always shouting at pedestrians for no apparent reason.

It’s a crazy city, and everybody seems to be going through something.   

All these, a testament of the rapidly growing crisis of mental health issues that continue to haunt the city day in, day out.

For millions of residents in Nairobi, behind the smiles, lies a war within, one that has made mental health a silent epidemic.  

And the evidence is all there. 

“In Nairobi City County, as in many other urban communities, several common mental health conditions prevail. A significant proportion of the population is affected by various mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, and psychotic disorders,” reveals a recent mental health report by Nairobi City County Government (NCCG). 

According to the NCCG, the city has witnessed increasing suicide rates often influenced by interconnected issues such as socioeconomic strain, adverse childhood experiences, trauma and genetic predisposition.  

Additionally, key socio-economic issues, including poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and exposure to violence, which strongly influence psychological well-being, have strongly increased the risk of mental health disorders.  

Corporate stress 

While there have been several efforts in the county to address these issues, none have proved successful. The county attributes this lack of progress to several barriers that hinder the enhancement of mental health and well-being for its people. 

“These barriers include inadequate funding for mental health services, shortages of trained mental health professionals, a lack of awareness and education regarding mental health issues, cultural beliefs and attitudes that perpetuate stigma, and insufficient integration of mental health into the primary healthcare system,” adds the report. 

More notably, the report indicates that the high prevalence of poverty has worsened mental health issues and the inability to afford proper care, while the rising cases of substance abuse have spiked the demand for mental health and addiction services.  

Political tensions and instability witnessed in the city and the country at large have also led to shifts in funding priorities, hindering mental health progress. 

Additionally, the current shortage of mental health specialists in the public sector limits accessibility to quality mental healthcare services.  

“Mental health is a fundamental pillar of wellbeing and human development. It shapes how individuals think, feel, act, and connect within their communities. Yet for long, mental health has been overlooked in our planning, service delivery, and allocation of resources,” notes Suzanne Silantoi, CECM – health and wellness services, Nairobi County. 

To help tackle mental health issues, which seem to be a ticking time bomb for the city’s residents, NCCG, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, has launched a strategic action plan that focuses on inclusive, community-centred mental health care and services. 

The Mental Health Strategic Action Plan 2025-2030, which is in line with the county’s Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) for 2023–2027, aims to increase mental health awareness and enhance access to mental health care services. 

“We acknowledge and address the county’s historical neglect with unwavering commitment. Therefore, this strategic plan marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards a healthier, more inclusive and resilient population and will reduce the burden of mental health,” noted Silantoi. 

To effectively implement mental health policies, allocate resources, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders, the action plan places a high priority on strengthening leadership and coordination.  

To achieve this objective, the county will ensure the adoption and implementation of mental health policies, mainstream mental health across sectors by establishing intersectoral coordination and partnerships with NGOs and ensuring people with mental health conditions are empowered.  

Second, the plan focuses on advocating for increased budget allocations, securing budgets, and leveraging research for resource allocation. 

Notably, the plan will potentially strengthen the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare.

This is in addition to strengthening the mental health information system and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to support research and evidence-based decision-making in Nairobi County. 

Solutions that work 

Speaking during the launch, Stella Waruingi, Head of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support NCCG, said that should the new plan be effected, mental health services in the county will be functional, more community healthcare workers will be trained, and the technology and infrastructure needed will be improved.  

“This achievement is more than a policy document. It is a declaration that mental health matters—that no one should suffer in silence,” she said. 

She therefore called on partners and relevant stakeholders to align with the new plan and help the county in funding the plan, which seeks Ksh5.3 billion to be effected.   

But even as the county hopes this action will be successful, the youth are still adamant, noting that they should be engaged in every step as they are the biggest victims of poor mental health. 

According to Tosh, as he is popularly referred to by his peers, who has lived the mental health experience and represents the youth, while the document holds great potential, it can only be effective if the county intends to hold meaningful engagements with the youth. 

“The youth make up a significant portion of those suffering from poor mental health. Therefore, when it comes to ensuring this strategy works, they bring value to the table. As people who have lived this experience, we are experts with our own rights, and we are the best people to suggest solutions that work,” insisted Tosh while speaking at the launch. 

He further emphasised that even if the government makes an effort to engage the youth, yet their purpose is not met, the action plan will prove in vain, as most youth will relapse to their initial condition. 

“We need to be valued and mentored. Lately, the perception has been that the youth are not teachable. But mentorship and respect are important. However, not many people pause to ask themselves what this young person is capable of and easily dismiss them,” he explains. 

He further notes that even as the government, particularly parliamentarians, point fingers at Gen Zs, they have failed in ensuring that they get the capacity building, hence the high rate of unemployment, which contributes significantly to poor mental health. 

“You cannot blame us for a lack of skills or not doing the job, yet you have created opportunities for us for capacity building. So, before blaming us, give us the capacity to handle what is ahead of us,” he says.