KCPA Wellness Walk Calls for Urgent Mental Health Reforms in Kenya
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The Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) on Saturday held a Mental Health Wellness Walk in Nairobi, rallying Kenyans and policymakers to prioritize mental health reforms and end stigma surrounding mental illness.
The event drew prominent leaders and advocates, among them Hon. Wafula Wamunyinyi, Prof. Catherine Gachutha, and Dr. Issack Hassan, who underscored the urgent need for systemic change.
Hon. Wamunyinyi urged the government and private sector to integrate counselling services into workplaces, noting that many employees suffer in silence. “Mental wellness is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” he said.
Prof. Gachutha emphasized the role of professional counselling and psychotherapy in addressing rising cases of stress and trauma, calling for mental health services to be treated like mainstream healthcare — accessible, professional, and fairly compensated.
Dr. Hassan pressed lawmakers to amend Section 226 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes attempted suicide. “It is unacceptable that individuals battling severe mental distress are being imprisoned instead of receiving support,” he said, urging Parliament to fast-track decriminalization.
KCPA officials said the Wellness Walk was part of broader efforts to raise awareness and push for reforms in policy, funding, and service delivery. They noted that increased investment in counselling and legal changes are crucial to tackling Kenya’s mental health crisis.
The walk reinforced the message that mental health must be recognized as a national priority, with compassion and care replacing stigma and punishment.
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