In Kenya, mental health among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) is a growing crisis, particularly in HEDSO's 10 targeted counties (Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Migori, Homa Bay, Kwale, and Tana River). With rapid urbanization, collapsed sugarcane economies, high youth unemployment (67% in 2025), socio-economic disparities, and cultural stigma, many young people face significant mental health challenges. According to recent statistics, around 25% of Kenyan youths experience mental health disorders, with depression and anxiety being the most common.
AGYW are particularly vulnerable due to various factors such as gender-based violence, the exploitative "sex-for-fish" (Jaboya) system in fishing communities, early pregnancies (Homa Bay: 33% teenage pregnancy rate), limited access to education and healthcare, and economic marginalization. Youth face depression, substance abuse (alcohol, bhang), and suicidal tendencies due to joblessness and lack of psychosocial support. Additionally, societal norms often discourage seeking mental health support, leading to underreporting and untreated conditions. Access to mental health services remains severely limited, especially in rural Sugar-belt and fishing areas, with disability-inclusive mental health programming being virtually nonexistent.
To address these challenges, HEDSO has adopted comprehensive mental health education and awareness campaigns tailored to the needs of AGYW, youth, and PWDs under the HEAL-WELL pillar. By 2030, HEDSO will strengthen capacity of 1,000 young community health champions on psychosocial first aid, conduct 1,000 school and community-based dialogue forums, integrate mental health screening into 60% of primary health care facilities, launch a digital mental health platform reaching 1 million young people, and reduce stigma by 60% through targeted campaigns. These initiatives focus on destigmatization, early intervention, and access to support services to safeguard the mental well-being of this vulnerable population.
| Pillar 1: HEAL-WELL - Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Objectives (2025-2030) | |
|---|---|
| OBJECTIVES | EXPECTED OUTCOMES BY 2030 |
| Strengthen capacity of 1,000 young community health champions and peer educators on delivering inclusive and culturally sensitive mental health education and psychosocial support tailored to the needs of AGYW, youth, and PWDs. | ✅ 1,000 peer educators and champions trained with 80% showing improved scores in pre/post-tests on mental health literacy. ✅ At least 5,000 outreach/education sessions conducted across 10 counties. ✅ 60% of champions actively engaged in community initiatives 2+ years after training. ✅ 70% of beneficiaries report increased awareness of mental health services and 50% report improved psychosocial support access. |
| Improve early detection and management of mental health conditions by integrating routine screening for mental health wellness into at least 60% of primary health care facilities in the targeted 10 counties. | ✅ 60% of PHC facilities in target counties with routine mental health screening integrated by 2030. ✅ Significant reduction in undiagnosed/untreated mental health conditions among AGYW, youth & PWDs. ✅ 75% client satisfaction rate with mental health services. ✅ Functional referral systems with trained health promoters linking communities to county health facilities. |
| Develop and roll out youth-friendly digital mental health education and referral platform providing accurate, age-appropriate, and disability-accessible content for at least 1 million young people. | ✅ Functional digital platform (mobile app and USSD) launched with multilingual and disability-friendly features. ✅ At least 1 million unique youth users engaged by 2030. ✅ 60% of users report increased knowledge of mental health and wellness. ✅ 40% of users utilize referral services (calls, chats, or referrals to partner facilities). |
| Reduce stigma, stereotypes, and discrimination around mental health among AGYW, youth, and PWDs through targeted community awareness campaigns and stakeholder dialogues in the targeted 10 counties. | ✅ At least 1,000 school and community-based dialogue forums conducted across 10 counties. ✅ 5,000 young religious and cultural leaders engaged as mental health champions. ✅ 60% reduction in stigma and discrimination scores among AGYW, youth, and PWDs (baseline vs. endline by 2030). ✅ 50% increase in equitable access to mental health services across 10 counties. ✅ Existence of sustainable community structures (youth/parent support groups, inclusive committees) addressing mental health stigma. |