Kenya Mental Health Project Unveiled, Aims at Expanding Access to Mental Health Services Nationwide
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 9 – Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC (Kenya Branch) in collaboration with the Kenya Ministry of Health has launched the Kenya Mental Health Project a comprehensive initiative aimed at expanding access to menital health services, reducing stigma and empowering communities across the country.
Kenya faces significant mental health challenges, with limited access to services and high levels of stigma, preventing many from seeking support, Mental health conditions affect at least 15 percent of working Kenyans, yet more than three-quarters are unable to access treatment.
For Kenyans seeking care, there are fewer than 500 health workers specialised in mental healthcare across the country.
The newly launched Kenya Mental Health Project is designed to address these gaps through a multifaceted approach, combining professional training, community engagement and public awareness campaigns.
The initiative leverages a unique public-private collaboration model to create a more inclusive and supportive mental health ecosystem to improve patients access to quality of care.
Dr. Mercy Karanja, Head of the Division of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health said Collaborating with Johnson & Johnson allows to expand mental health services beyond clinics, directly reaching communities and equipping them to address challenges proactively.
“This initiative represents a significant step toward a more resilient and inclusive mental health system in Kenya”, She said.
Launched in the margins of the 2nd National Mental Health Conference hosted by the Ministry of Health of Kenya and co-sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, the initiative prioritizes equipping health workers and community leaders with the skills to guide patients through every step of their mental health joumey from recognizing earty signs and accessing care to receiving appropriate treatment and ongoing community support.
As part of this effort, the project aims to train 5,000 Community Health Assistants and 100,000 Community Health Promoters nationwide on a comprehensive mental health module by 2026.
Speaking during the launch, Sanae Mousannif General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine stated that Innovative: “At the heart of this initiative are the people it seeks to serve that’s why we’re working hand in hand with healthcare providers to equip them with the skills and resources needed to support patients, caregivens, and communities throughout their journey along the continuum of care”.
“We believe that equitable access to mental health services is essential, and by collaborating with government and community partners, we can build a model that truly empowers mental health care teams and ensures that support is accessible to patients in need.”
The Kenya Mental Health Project is being rolled out across regions in Kenya, combining community engagement, professional training, and awareness campaigns Public awareness campaigns and community engagement activities are also being implemented to encourage open conversations, challenge harmful stereotypes and promote early intervention.
Anthony Gitau, Director of Program Delivery & Impact, Global Health Equity at Johnson & Johnson, said: “Lasting progress in mental health care requires strengthening and supporting those who make care possible-health care workers.
“By strengthening health facilities and supporting the people who deliver care every day, we are making it easier for individuals to seek help early, without fear or long delays this approach will ensure that care is not just available but truly woven into the daily lives of Kenyans.”
Building on the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Policy (2015-2030) and Suicide Prevention Strategy (2021-2020), the initiative focuses on integrating mental health into primary care, equipping healthcare professionals with training and resources. and fostering stigma-free conversations within communities.
