The Big Picture
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, men account for approximately 58 percent of mental disorder cases, surpassing women. Moreover, the suicide rate in Kenya is about 11 per 100,000 people, translating to roughly four deaths per day — the majority being men. These numbers reflect a broader global pattern, where men are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges but often go unnoticed.

Why It Matters
Societal expectations often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help. Traditional gender roles emphasize stoicism and self-reliance, leading many men to suffer in silence. This reluctance to seek support exacerbates mental health problems and significantly increases the risk of suicide.

The Barriers
Several key factors contribute to the mental health crisis among men:

• Stigma: Mental health issues are heavily stigmatized, preventing open discussion.
• Cultural Norms: Traditional beliefs discourage emotional expression and seeking help.
• Lack of Awareness: Many men are unaware of the symptoms or available support systems.

What’s Being Done
In a landmark decision in January 2025, Kenya’s High Court ruled that criminalizing attempted suicide is unconstitutional. This ruling represents a major step toward decriminalizing and destigmatizing mental health issues.

Organizations like Population Services Kenya, KEMRI, and others are increasingly focusing on mental health outreach, education, and accessible care, especially for men.

Men’s mental health is  a public health concern. Tackling the stigma, changing harmful societal norms, and expanding access to resources are crucial steps in creating a supportive environment for men to seek help.

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The consistent belittlement and mockery took a toll on my self perception, leading to low self esteem. Unfortunately the consequences of my low self esteem were far reaching, affecting various aspects of my life. The chronic stress I experienced due to these negative beliefs eventually led to burnout. Over the years, my hormonal balance was disrupted which roundly threw me into depression. Regrettably, I was unaware of my mental health condition and did not seek help promptly.

The worst happened when I was heading to form three. The claws of depression deteriorated my academics. I also found myself in toxic relationships where things were happening contrary to my heart’s desires. This took away the joy of engaging myself in any form of relations. While in college, I thought things would be different and so out of hopelessness and desperation I involved myself with the wrong person that led to unplanned-for pregnancy.

One significant turning point was during the pregnancy period. I was sited in my house firmly watching a Sunday service aired on Citizen TV. The title of this particular sermon was was nothing “changes until your mentality change” I resonated deeply and decided to turn a new leaf.

As the sermon continued on the TV, prayer lines kept ticking at the bottom of the screen which allowed viewers to send prayer requests. I took the opportunity to seek counsel for the issues I was facing. This continued for a while as I keenly listened to the bishop even on radio and watching the service live on TV until one day I had a profound realization that I was not truly born again.

With that conviction, I made the decision to become born again which sparked an immediate change in my life. It was the start of a new chapter filled with self appreciation and self love.

I started unlearning some of the things I had believed in. For instance, I had believed that I am not as beautiful as the society perceived beauty. but I came to know that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and how one views herself is more important. It’s always comforting in the words from the book of psalm 139:14, which assured me that am fearfully and wonderfully made, implying that I am not a mistake but a unique creation of God.

Still I had not fully overcome all my issues in my life. And upto today am training myself on how to love and value myself enough.

Despite the transformation, I was still having suicidal thoughts that had haunted me since I was in primary school and worsened in grade eight.

The medication that I was put on earlier didn’t seem to improve my state. So, I had to gather the courage to visit a psychiatrist and opened up about the suicidal thoughts I had been having.

I was prescribed for the antidepressants and within a month I had experienced a significant shift. It felt like I had awakened from a dream and returned to reality, allowing me to create a new personal reality that aligned with my true self.

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Suicide is the second leading cause of death among girls between 15 to 19 years after maternal conditions, while road injury and interpersonal violence lead suicide cases among boys of the same age bracket.

Depression and other mental health disorders have been known to lead to a majority of suicide cases. Other reasons include financial problems, relationship break-up, life stresses, and illness. Further, cases of suicide are also high among people in conflict, disaster, and violence-stricken areas as well as vulnerable groups such as the LGBTI community, refugees, and prisoners.
In Kenya, it is estimated at least 311 Kenyans commit suicide every year; 240 men & 77 women, with suicide cases up 58% in the last decade. 

Nearly 800,000 people commit suicide every year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this accounts for one person every 40 seconds. Moreover, in every one death, there are over 20 suicide attempts.

According to the report, the most common methods of suicide are hanging, ingestion of pesticides, and firearms.

It is important that all suicidal threats are taken seriously. Do not ignore the warning signs! The suicide prevention acronym “ACT” (Act, Care, Treat) provides an easy way to remember the steps to take if you suspect someone is suicidal.

• ASK- ASK if someone is thinking about suicide.  Don’t be afraid to ask, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” or “Are you thinking about suicide?”
• CARE- Let them know you CARE. Demonstrate a willingness to talk openly and freely.  Tell them that you care and don’t leave the person alone.
• TREAT- Get TREATMENT and seek out assistance as soon as possible.  

Life is short, indeed. But cutting it shorter by yourself shouldn’t be an option whatsoever. Life is precious too and everything about life is to be treasured.

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But life is indeed fickle. It’s the briefest of moments we spend with our loved ones before their lives are ripped away, on their own volition or not. And then we’re left with nothing.
The ache in our wounded souls would always be a constant reminder, that in the end we’re left infinitely and utterly alone.

Loosing a person you love to suicide remains perhaps the most illogical of death. An illness, an accident, any natural couse of death, you can explain or at least try to find some logic. Maybe It was fated. They fought the good fight and bowed at the last call. God or whoever you worship decided to call them home.

But there’s no closure in suicide. Only heart wrenching question after question. Pessimistic self evaluation. Doubts. And seething emotional turmoil. Did the deceased not think you were worthy enough of their company upon this life’s way? Couldn’t they find just one reason to live, even if that reason is you. How selfish could they be? Choosing death, all the while knowing the kind of emotional torture they would be plunging you into.

Perhaps if everyone was a politician, there would be no suicide cases. A politician lives with absolute certainty of tomorrow. Right now every politician is sure they will be there next year. “Come next elections I’m clinching that seat!” Such optimistic existence.
Unfortunately, politics is not airborne. And life battles are very real. Maybe, just maybe, not everyone is built to withstand the storms that buffet their brief lives. Not everyone can master enough grit, or have the right perspective to keep gripping at life’s tail.

But again, how selfish, narcissistic can we be to assume people, however much we may love them owes us their lives? Because we may live with them and not know their battles. We may laugh with them and not be able to fight with them. Looks can be deceiving. People out here aren’t as strong as they portray themselves to be.

I lost someone dear to suicide. And I keep telling myself he has known peace now, but even that, still doesn’t make me feel better. Yes, he was one of the kindest people I know. He was so kind he couldn’t hurt the proverbial fly, how he managed to fatally hurt himself is a question I would wish to ask his creator. He smiled often. And he had this thick guffaw laugh. He laughed like he knew why Baba wants Reggea to continue.

Today I want us to start talking more and openly about mental health. I want us to talk about depression and suicide but not in hushed voices. No. We need to start talking about these things as boldly as Baba talks about BBI.

And to you who is clouded and shrouded in uncertainty, I’ll say this, “it may never be perfect, but it will always get better. Breath. Reach out. Learn to seek joy simple things; the rising sun, a beautiful flower, waterfall, the moon. Keep fighting. Keep striving to find peace. And own it.”
And while at it, endeavour to make others happy. Because then, you will be happy yourself.

You matter.

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Gut microbiota are the colonies of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa living in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Desirable and non-desirable microorganisms exist in the human gut. The desirable microbes are those that have been linked to positive effects, while the undesirable are those that are harmful to the body.

The gut microbiome is considered another organ of the human body due to its crucial purpose in different body processes. It is only logical to swap a faulty organ for a useful one, right? Like you would chuck a flawed kidney for a functioning one? With FMT, good microbes are transplanted into the gut, and optimal conditions are provided for them to multiply, while creating an unfavorable environment for the bad microbes that may be in your gut, causing them to die off.

What difference does FMT make?

A study to determine the relationship between gut microbiota and obesity was done in 2018 using human twins where one twin was lean, while the other was obese. Their gut microbiome was transplanted in two rat models. The rats were then fed similar diets with the same amount of calories and were observed over time. The rat that received the microbiota from the lean twin turned out lean while the one that received microbiota from the obese twin became obese.

The results were ascribed to the role gut microbiome plays in regulating metabolism. The presence of gut microbes and their metabolites in the gut lining influences the release of metabolic hormones that affect fat storage, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and appetite.

FMT has also proven to work in treating mental health issues. This is after a study in 2016 concluded that fecal matter transplanted on a rat from a depressed human caused it to show depressive symptoms. Studies have shown that more than 90% of serotonin, the feel-good hormone, is produced in the gut by microbes like; Bifidobacterium infantis, Streptococcus spp., Candida spp., and Enterococcus spp. So, having more of these microbes in your gut would outdo the mood boosters you swallow every day? Most likely.

Other medical problems have also shown significant improvement with the administration of FMT. They include; autism spectrum disorder (ASD), multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), metabolic conditions, and Parkinson`s disease. There have also been trials on cancer patients, where patients who received FMT performed better than those who did not.

How does FMT work?

FMT is not all new to the human race. The ancient Chinese used FMT to treat severe diarrhea whereas soldiers in WW II ingested camel`s stool to treat some medical conditions in the absence of antibiotics.

Well, I know it doesn’t sound fancy, eating another person`s fecal matter, but let’s examine the facts. You don’t ingest poop like they did in WW II. The stool is highly processed to remove every other material apart from the microbes needed. The final result is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless. So you`re ingesting the gut microbiota from a healthy donor. Donors also undergo a variety of blood and stool tests to determine eligibility.

Companies like Novel Biome have sprung up to provide FMT services. According to Dr. Shaina Cahill, the director of Medical Communications and Affairs at Novel Biome, donors undergo over 120 blood and stool tests to ensure their gut microbiota is optimal for transplantation.

Some of the hoops donors have to jump through are; a restraint in using antibiotics over a period of time, not having traveled outside their home country for a year, and having no family history of gastrointestinal disorders, cancers, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The measures used are to prevent posing risk factors to the recipient.

Donors are therefore rare due to the strict conditions they have to meet. There are also super donors, who produce FMT results better than other donors. The wider the variety of the good gut microbiome, the better a donor is.  Novel Biome also provides an option for people who would like to store their microbiome for future use. “If you are healthy and your gut microbiome is functioning properly, you can store your gut microbiome in Novel Biome long-term so that if you encounter dysfunction or have to go on antibiotics, you can get your healthy gut back,” Dr. Shaina says.

Experts in the field have endorsed FMT over consumption of probiotics. FMT introduces a wider variety of good microbiota than probiotics which seem to have a narrow variety. “The downside of probiotics is that they don`t engraft in your gut, so you get its benefit as long as you take the probiotic while in FMT, the microbiome engrafts and becomes part of your gut,” Explains Dr. Shaina.

Conclusion

I don`t know about you, but I’m convinced FMT is creating new possibilities in the medical field that will boost health and wellness. Though what we`ve learned is only the tip of the iceberg compared to the vast complexes of the gut microbiome, the future promises more clarity and solutions to the health and wellness problems afflicting the human race. Having said that, I can`t wait for FMT to be a common viable solution to medical problems in Kenya. I can already see all those influencers lining up to promote the use of FMT.

However, you should note that bodily functions depend on a variety of factors apart from the gut microbiome. Having a healthy gut will indeed improve the functioning of the rest of your body, but it is not the only factor that determines health. Therefore, FMT used alongside other medical interventions produces optimal results.

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Addressing mental health concerns requires more than just self-help strategies; it necessitates seeking professional help as we seek medical intervention for physical ailments, we must recognize the significance of addressing mental health concerns through professional channels.

One of the barriers preventing individuals from seeking professional help for mental health is the societal stigma surrounding it. This stigma often leads to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and fear of judgment.

It is essential to break the stigma surrounding mental health and understand that seeking professional assistance is a proactive step towards improved well-being.

The Youthing Magazine has compiled a list of Organizations with Toll free numbers, hotlines and platforms that anyone can reach out incase they need someone to talk to.

1. Centre for Suicide Research and Intervention

call/Text/WhatsApp: +254703388130

Website: www.csricentre.org

2. Childline Kenya

Call: 116

Website: www.childlinekenya.co.ke

3. Mental 360

Call: 0770360360

Email: info@mental360.or.ke

Website: www.mental360.or.ke

4. Basic Needs Watch:

Call: 0800723 253

Website: www.basicneedswatch.org/

5. Minet Counselling

Call: 0800720029

6. Befrienders Kenya

Call: 0722178177

Website: www.befrienderskenya.org

7. Mind Matters

Call: 0718782333

Website: https://mindmatterske.org

8. Kenya Red Cross

Call: 1199

Website: https://www.redcross.or.ke

9. Niskize Kenya

Call: 0718227440

Website: https://niskize.co.ke

10. CBT Kenya

Call: +254756454585

11. Mental Wellness Kenya 

Call: +25417234621

12. Oasis Africa:  

Call: +2547 25 366614

13. EMFK 

Call: 0800723253

14. KISLEB 

Text: +254724516290/ +254718914999

15. Malindi Desire Initiative

Call: +254 726 069670

Institutions Where you can get help:

• Chiromo Lane Medical Centre
• Kenyatta National Hospital Youth Psychiatry and Psychology services
• Oasis Clinic
• www.inuka.io
• Any hospital with a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist

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These issues are not isolated; they intersect and impact one another. Recognizing this intersectionality, empowering youth with comprehensive SRHR knowledge aligns perfectly with the development of green skills, creating a harmonious world where health, rights, and a thriving planet unite.

Sustainable development encompasses environmental, social, and economic aspects. By equipping young people with green skills, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation techniques, we enable them to become stewards of the environment, ensuring its protection and rejuvenation.

Embracing these skills creates pathways for a greener future where ecosystems flourish, biodiversity thrives, and natural resources are preserved for generations to come.

At the core of SRHR lies the recognition that everyone should have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, information, and services, free from discrimination and coercion.

By empowering young people with SRHR knowledge, we equip them with the tools to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and overall well-being. This knowledge promotes equality, consent, respect, and safe practices, leading to healthier lives, reduced maternal mortality rates, and increased gender equality.

The effects of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, particularly women and girls, who often bear the brunt of environmental degradation.

Access to SRHR services ensures that women and girls have control over their reproductive choices, including family planning, which can contribute to reducing population growth and resource consumption.

Empowering youth with SRHR knowledge enables them to understand the linkages between reproductive health, population dynamics, and climate change, fostering responsible choices that contribute to a sustainable future.

Additionally, achieving gender equality is crucial for sustainable development. Lack of access to SRHR information and services perpetuates gender disparities, limiting educational opportunities and economic empowerment for women and girls.

By providing comprehensive SRHR education to youth, we dismantle harmful gender norms, empower individuals to make autonomous decisions about their bodies and relationships, and foster an environment where everyone can reach their full potential irrespective of gender.

Empowering youth with both green skills and SRHR knowledge equips them to address the complex challenges faced by their communities. By integrating sustainability practices into their everyday lives and advocating for inclusive SRHR policies, young people become catalysts for change.

They can drive innovation, promote social justice, and build resilient communities that prioritize the well-being of individuals, their rights, and the planet they inhabit.

The intertwined nature of environmental sustainability, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender equality demands holistic approaches to youth empowerment.

By equipping young people with green skills and comprehensive SRHR knowledge, we create a harmonious world where health, rights, and a thriving planet unite.

This integrated approach cultivates responsible and empowered citizens who are equipped to face the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

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The exercise was launched by Nairobi County Executive Committee Member of Heaklth, Ms. Suzanne Silantoi at Kitui grounds in Kamukunji.

The  August 3 – 12 campaign’s goal is to vaccinate approximately 1.7 million people above one year old in Nairobi, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Homa Bay, Machakos and Garissa.

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO) among other partners have taken the mantle to push the campaign across different corners of Kenya.

A total of 2,122 vaccinators and 1,061 volunteers have also tagged along to provide the Oral Cholera Vaccine to communities.

“We have procured and transported the vaccine, supported counties and developed communications materials. We are engaging communities in high-risk areas,” UNICEF said in a statement.

A total of 1.7 million doses of vaccines are anticipated to be availed to citizens I Mandera East, Moyale, Kajiado East, Kamukunji, Embakasi East, Suba South, Dadaab Refugee Camps, Machakos GK Prisons and Machakos School of the Deaf.

Since October 2022, Kenya has been experiencing an ongoing cholera outbreak due to drought, reduced access to water and floods. WHO reports that over 11,800 people have been affected and 196 lost their lives since the outbreak.

During a similar kick off of the campaign in Kajiado County, CEC Medical Services and Public Health, Alex Kilowua affirmed that the County Government is dedicated at ensuring that the cholera vaccines reach the intended recipients with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as mothers and school-going children.

The campaign has seen the respective partners give a hand not only in supplies but also technical assistance and financial support to counties such as Turkana, Wajir and Mandera where the outbreak gripped masses.

The successful first round of vaccination conducted in February 2023 saw 2.2 million people above the age of 1 vaccinated in Nairobi, Garissa, Tana River and Wajir.

Communities were spurred to turn up in large numbers to receive the vaccine. In addition, the partners behind the campaign called for maintenance of safety measures through boiled or treated water and cooked food.

A team of vaccinators from WHO

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The birth of the internet unearthed both positive and negative impacts in the arena of mental health – from peer pressure on instagram, to seeing people win big on their LinkedIn timelines.

A good number of youths admit to camouflage their depression behind memes and social media. On the same chapter, social media has also propelled anxiety, loneliness, self-harm and even suicidal thoughts.

However, technology and internet at large carries benefits that can help you improve your mental health. There are mobile applications that are designed to help people manage and improve their mental health on a daily basis. These Apps are available both on App Store and Google Playstore.

I will share the list with you, but before then…

I would like to emphasize that these apps are not replacement for professional care. They are just self-care tools that match a variety of problems, disorders etc.

With that said, let’s jump right into the list:

1. NotOK

It can be difficult to ask for help when we’re struggling, and the team behind NotOK wants to make it easier. You create a group of trusted contacts, like your family, friends, therapist, or anyone else you can count on. After they accept your invitation, you can alert them with a tap of a button when you’re not okay and could use their support.

2.HearMe

Sometimes you just need a place to vent—and don’t always have the social support or space to do it. HearMe is there for those moments, connecting you instantly with an empathetic listener.

3. Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind is another meditation app designed with twentysomethings in mind, and it’s got the backing of Cricket Australia.

Designed by a team of psychologists it has a range of programs specifically designed for athletes, students, and people starting out in a corporate environment.

Smiling Mind is a free app and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

4. Mind the Bump

Mind the Bump is a free app dedicated to mindfulness meditation, but this time for parents-to-be. It has useful tips for expecting parents on how to support each other and themselves mentally and emotionally in the lead up to ARRIVAL DAY, and every day after.

Mind the Bump is a free app and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

5. SuperBetter

If traditional mental health apps tend to bore you, SuperBetter might be able to keep your interest. It gamifies mental health skill-building and self-care, teaching you to be more resilient through a series of superhero-themed missions and challenges.

6. PTSD Coach

Created by the National Center for PTSD, this app is for anyone who has or could have post-traumatic stress disorder, whether they’re currently in treatment or not. Some of its features include educational material, therapeutic tools, and info on professional care and support.

7. What’s Up

This app has a bunch of tools based on CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) to help you feel less anxious, stressed, angry, and more. Plus, you can connect with other users via the app’s built-in forum.

8. Rainn

Experiencing sexual violence is a risk factor for mental illness. To combat its physical and mental strain, Michener recommends RAINN, a free app designed by its namesake National Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Chat with support specialists, explore self-care exercises, and learn about healing from sexual trauma.

9. Youper

If traditional therapy is too expensive, Youper offers an AI-powered alternative that helps you work toward your specific mental health goals. The app gauges how you’re feeling each day, offering audio, visuals, and words of encouragement that’ll keep you on track. Some people even use it alongside therapy.

10. Moodpath

Moodpath is an app available on both iOS and Android, which tracks your moods throughout the day. It’ll ask you a series of questions three times a day, and then collates that data to offer you insights into your mental health overall. This allows you to keep track of, and reflect on, your emotional wellbeing, which should help you know when you should seek extra help and support.

The app will also use that data to give you relevant courses, guided meditations, sleep aids, and other resources, which will aim to help improve your mental health. The best part? It’s completely free.

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