Kakamega: As the world marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month every June, the issue of men’s mental health has become a serious public health concern in Kenya and failure to address it could have detrimental effects on families, communities, and the overall country’s economy. When men are mentally healthy, they are better off engaging in productive activities that increase household incomes and provide for their families, thereby contributing to the well-being of the entire community.
According to Kenya News Agency, health experts have identified masculinity as one of the biggest barriers when it comes to men talking about mental health. Anthony Ngaira, a public health officer, noted that many boys are taught from an early age to suppress their emotions, causing them to internalize their struggles. Ngaira emphasized the broader impact of mental health issues, stating, “If a man’s mind is broken, his entire household crumbles. His family suffers, his children suffer, and his community loses a productive member.”
Ngaira, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU), pointed out the alarming situation of men wandering and shouting along the streets in towns, which indicates a critical gap in mental health awareness and care that requires urgent attention. He explained that men often refrain from verbalizing their problems, leading to bottled-up emotions that may develop into stress and potentially depression.
Ngaira urges society to shift its attitude towards raising boys, arguing that discouraging emotional expression can contribute to psychological challenges in adulthood. Clinician Tatuli Simwa highlighted that the country has made efforts to build mental health capacity at the grassroots level, with trained healthcare workers in all health facilities to detect early warning signs of mental illness.
Despite these efforts, Simwa expressed concern over the low levels of health-seeking behavior among men, noting that many men endure pain, stress, and depression for extended periods without seeking help. Speaking to KNA in Kakamega town about common mental health challenges, both Ngaira and Simwa identified alcohol and substance abuse as major contributing factors, particularly among unemployed youth.
Simwa observed a generation of young men who, despite completing school, struggle to find employment, leading to frustration, idleness, and substance abuse, which often results in mental illness. Ngaira warned that many men avoid hospitals and instead seek treatment from unqualified practitioners or purchase medication from chemists without proper diagnosis, which delays appropriate treatment.
Simwa called on families to become more involved, noting that many incidents of extreme violence in communities stem from untreated mental health challenges. The duo emphasized the importance of physical, mental, and social well-being and urged the government to increase funding for mental health services across the country.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a crucial period for recognizing the impact of mental illness, educating people about available services, and highlighting advocacy methods, even for those without mental health issues. Health experts stress that recognition and education are vital for removing the stigma associated with mental illnesses.
The Ministry of Health estimates that 25 percent of the population in Kenya struggles with some form of mental illness, with depression and anxiety being the most prevalent.
