Prof. Catherine Gachutha to Lead National Mental Health Walk for Wellness
0
0
By John Kariuki
Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) will host its National Mental Health Walk on September 12, 2025, in ten counties as part of International Suicide Prevention Week.
Themed “Walk for Wellness”, the event aims to raise awareness, promote health-seeking behavior, and improve access to treatment for mental health challenges affecting thousands of Kenyans each year.
The walk will be led by Prof. Catherine Gachutha, National Chair of KCPA, counselling psychologist, and Director of the Kenya Institute of Business and Counselling Studies. Prof. Gachutha has been a leading advocate for national programs tackling stigma, building resilience, and expanding treatment access.
More than 5,000 participants are expected to join the simultaneous 5-kilometer walks. Each county route will feature stopovers where trained professionals will hold talks, distribute resources, and share survivor testimonies, alongside awareness branding to amplify messages of wellness and hope.
Prof. Gachutha said the initiative supports the Kenya Suicide Prevention Strategy 2021–2026, which targets a 10 percent reduction in suicide-related deaths, and aligns with SDG 3 on good health and well-being.
The Association thanked its key partners, including the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, which donated KSh 500,000. Dr. Gideon Muriuki, the bank’s Group Managing Director and CEO, was hailed as a strong champion of mental health. KCPA also acknowledged financial support from UNICAF, which will further strengthen outreach and impact.
With Prof. Gachutha’s leadership and strong institutional backing, the National Mental Health Walk is poised to be a defining moment in Kenya’s mental wellness journey.
About The Author
