At least 3.7 million of labour force have mental illness
By George Kebaso, October 11, 2024Approximately 3.7 million people in the Kenyan workforce are potentially living with a mental illness, and this has led to huge economic losses.
A 2020 survey shows that Kenya loses up to 0.6 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) accounting for Sh62.2 billion (US$571.8 million) annually due to mental health challenges.
A lot of the losses are mainly linked to absenteeism from the workplace.
This has prompted the Ministry of Health to call on employers to prioritise mental health in the workplace, subsequently leading to calls by the Ministry of Health to employers to implement mental wellness programs that address the overall mental well-being of their employees.
“This important in order to prevent the occurrence or worsening of mental health issues, and provide care and support for those who require treatment,” Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr Deborah Barasa said at the Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital (MNTRH) yesterday.
Enhance productivity
This way, she said the organizations cannot only improve employee well-being but also enhance productivity and contribute to socioeconomic development.
She noted that the economic cost of mental health conditions is substantial due to lost productivity, while healthcare expenditure is relatively low.
The CS pointed out that investing in mental health interventions offers a significant return on investment over time.
While meaningful work can offer numerous benefits, Dr Barasa noted that harmful work conditions can lead to serious mental health issues.
“A significant portion of a person’s life is spent in the workplace, and this environment can have a profound impact on their mental well-being,” said the CS, calling on stakeholders to prioritise strengthening of interventions required to boost the mental wellbeing of people.
Global population
According to the World Health Organization, over half of the global population is employed, and a considerable number of these individuals are battling mental health disorders.
The Taskforce on mental health 2020 in Kenya underscored the critical role of workplace factors in contributing to mental health challenges among the Kenyan population.
Some of the key actions she suggested should be taken include counties deliberately investing in mental health clinics and addiction clinics in all Level 4 hospitals.
“All employers are required to implement National Guidelines on Mental Wellness, school health programmes to include mental wellness and addiction prevention,” she said.
This highlights the urgent need for workplaces to prioritize mental health and create supportive environments for their employees.
Mental health problems extend far beyond individual suffering, impacting families, communities, and the broader society. Depression and anxiety alone account for a staggering 12 billion lost working days annually.