The Government is developing new measures to address rising mental health challenges among young creatives, including stress, depression, anxiety and substance abuse linked to the pressures of life in the creative industry.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya told the Senate that the mental health and overall well-being of young creatives remains a strategic priority for the Government.
Appearing before the Senate Plenary, Mvurya said young artists and other creatives operate in an increasingly high-pressure environment characterised by financial instability, intense social media scrutiny, cyberbullying, loss of privacy, rejection and the pressure to remain relevant.
He said the challenges can expose creatives to chronic stress, depression, anxiety and substance abuse, particularly during periods of emotional and financial distress.
The CS was responding to questions from Kilifi Senator (Rtd.) Justice Stewart Madzayo on Government interventions to address suicide, depression and mental health challenges among young creatives.
Mvurya said the Government does not currently have a disaggregated national registry showing suicide cases, attempted suicides or specific mental health conditions by profession or sector.
Available national statistics, he said, indicate that between 400 and 500 reported suicide deaths occur annually across the population, although occupational information is not routinely captured.
He added that mental health and suicide-related information is protected under data protection and health confidentiality laws.
The Government, he said, is working towards establishing a unified National Suicide Registry under the Ministry of Health to improve the collection and management of suicide-related data.
Mvurya outlined a two-pronged Government approach to supporting creatives facing mental health challenges, financial hardship and addiction.
The strategy will focus on reducing economic risks while expanding access to direct psychosocial support.
The Ministry is also advancing an Inter-Agency Data Framework and a Creative Sector Wellness Policy, alongside plans to expand helplines and peer-support mechanisms for people working in the creative sector.
The CS said the measures are intended to provide a stronger support system for creatives navigating the financial, social and psychological pressures associated with their careers.
Mvurya also told the Senate that the Government is developing a comprehensive national database of Kenyan athletes who have won medals at regional, continental and international competitions.
Responding to questions from Senator Hamida Kibwana, the CS said the database would improve documentation of Kenya’s sporting achievements, talent tracking, policy planning and recognition of sporting excellence.
The Ministry is working with sports federations and other stakeholders to establish data collection and verification protocols as well as the digital infrastructure required to maintain the database.
The Government is also reviewing the welfare of retired sports personalities who have contributed to Kenya’s reputation on the international stage.
Mvurya said the Government has undertaken various interventions in partnership with sports federations, Athletics Kenya, the Football Kenya Federation, county governments and athletes’ welfare organisations.
These include employment and career-transition opportunities, goodwill ambassador positions, official appointments and institutional placements.
He said consultations are also ongoing on comprehensive welfare programmes for retired athletes, coaches and other sports officials, with proposed support covering financial assistance, medical care, housing and social protection.
The CS further highlighted enhanced Government rewards for athletes who win medals at global competitions.
Under the revised rewards structure, gold medalists will receive Sh3 million, silver medalists Sh2 million, while bronze medalists will receive Sh1 million.
The Government has also enhanced allowances for athletes and officials travelling abroad for international competitions.
Mvurya said Kenya has legal and institutional mechanisms for recognising and documenting the contribution of sports icons to the country’s history.
He cited the Kenya Heroes Act, 2014, which established the National Heroes Council to identify, vet and recommend individuals, including sports personalities, for recognition as national heroes and heroines.
The framework is expected to support efforts to preserve the country’s sporting heritage and formally recognise personalities who have made significant contributions to Kenya’s sporting success.
Responding to Nyandarua Senator John Methu on the policy and institutional framework guiding youth empowerment programmes, Mvurya cited a range of national, regional and continental instruments.
These include the Constitution of Kenya, Kenya National Youth Development Policy (2019), Kenya Vision 2030, the Fourth Medium Term Plan and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
He also cited the legal framework governing the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, the National Youth Council Act, the East Africa Youth Policy and the African Youth Charter, among other relevant policies and frameworks.
Mvurya said the frameworks provide the basis for coordinating Government interventions aimed at expanding opportunities for young people, strengthening youth participation and supporting their economic empowerment.
by Joseph Ng’ang’a
