Men have been urged to openly seek help and speak out about emotional and psychological challenges instead of suffering in silence, a practice mental health experts warn is contributing to rising cases of depression, substance abuse and suicide.
The call was made during the climax of the Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month campaigns held in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, under the theme: “Partners in Care: Advancing Men’s Mental Health through Connection, Education, and Advocacy for Better Lifespans.”
The forum was organised by SERI (Speak Encourage Respect Inspire) Consultancy Africa and held at the County Commissioner’s office in Eldoret. It brought together regional administrative officers, healthcare practitioners, mental health advocates, political leaders, representatives from learning institutions and members of the business community.
The event aimed to address the growing mental health burden among men, including depression, substance abuse and suicide cases, which stakeholders said have reached worrying levels.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale urged men to view seeking help as a sign of strength rather than weakness, warning that untreated emotional distress often leads to serious social and economic consequences.
He noted that many men silently struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, financial pressure, family challenges and addiction, which can result in broken families, violence, crime, suicide and reduced productivity.
“This directly affects the peace, safety, and development of our communities. It is a pertinent issue that has escalated to the point of becoming a security threat,” Dr. Nyale said.
He added that the government has taken steps to strengthen mental health services, including recruiting psychologists and counsellors across various departments, including the National Police Service, which has also been affected by addiction and mental health challenges.
Ambassador Moseti Douglas, an author and mental health advocate with SERI Consultancy Africa, said mental health should be treated as a shared responsibility requiring sustained action from all sectors of society.
He noted that men account for 87 per cent of mental health-related casualties, underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions to address the crisis.
Moseti said his organisation marked World Mental Health Day on June 15, 2026, through a “Champions for Mental Health Walk” under the theme “Break the Stigma”, aimed at encouraging open conversations around mental wellbeing.
“While the awareness month comes to an end, our commitment does not. Mental health is not a seasonal campaign; it is a daily responsibility,” he said.
He called for collaboration among families, workplaces, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, government agencies, civil society and the private sector to strengthen mental health awareness and support systems.
Moseti further urged employers to invest in mental wellbeing, noting that a healthy workforce improves productivity, innovation and overall organisational performance.
He commended the National Government, the County Commissioner and the County Government of Uasin Gishu for their continued efforts to expand mental health services and strengthen supportive policies.
By Ekuwam Sylvester and Brian Seronei
