KASH 15 CONFERENCE ENDS WITH A STRONG CALL FOR MENTAL HEALTH REFORM AND SUICIDE PREVENTION IN KENYA.

BY NJOKI KARANJA. 

The KASH 15 Conference concluded this past Friday with a powerful message on mental health, marking a turning point for the way mental health challenges are addressed in Kenya. Experts such as Dr. Christine Njambi from the Mental Health Unit at KEMRI, and Dr. Boniface Chitayi, a leading psychiatrist, highlighted the urgency of improving mental wellness awareness and care across the country.

Dr. Chitayi, a consultant psychiatrist at Kenyatta University Medical School, focused on the decriminalization of attempted suicide, a topic that has gained significant traction following a landmark legal ruling. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Chitayi emphasized the negative consequences of criminalizing individuals who attempt suicide, noting that such actions stem from mental illness rather than criminal intent. “The symptoms of attempted suicide are rooted in mental illness,” he stated, urging for a shift from punishment to treatment.

The pivotal High Court ruling on January 9, 2025, declared that attempted suicide would no longer be criminalized, aligning with Kenya’s constitutional rights to dignity and healthcare. This change, which follows a 2022 petition by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and the Kenya Psychiatric Association, positions Kenya among a small group of African nations that have taken this significant step forward.

Dr. Chitayi called the ruling a moment of justice for individuals who had previously faced prosecution for their struggles, framing it as an opportunity to save lives. However, he stressed that it was only the beginning. “We must ensure that individuals who are currently being prosecuted for attempted suicide are freed and directed to appropriate healthcare,” he added.

The psychiatrist also emphasized the importance of public education to reshape societal attitudes toward suicide. Engaging with religious leaders and media practitioners was highlighted as crucial for reducing stigma and preventing harmful reporting that could lead to more suicides. Dr. Chitayi called on the media to adopt responsible reporting practices, stressing that the way suicide is portrayed can have serious consequences on vulnerable individuals.

Furthermore, Dr. Chitayi advocated for the full implementation of Kenya's Suicide Prevention Strategy 2021-2026. He emphasized the need for comprehensive mental health education, especially in schools, and greater training for healthcare professionals in identifying and managing suicidal behavior.

As the KASH 15 Conference wrapped up, the decriminalization of attempted suicide stood out as a beacon of hope for many, signaling a shift toward a more compassionate and scientifically backed approach to mental health care in Kenya. The ruling and the ongoing discussions at the conference are seen as critical steps toward addressing mental health challenges more effectively and reducing the stigma surrounding them. Dr. Chitayi expressed pride in this achievement, stating that it offers renewed hope for those who have suffered due to mental health challenges and societal discrimination.


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