Amani Counselling Centre and Training Institute (ACCTI) has called for collective action to address mental health stigma, warning that fear of judgement and limited access to professional support continue to discourage people from seeking help.
The call was made on Friday, October 16, during the launch of the 2026 Amani Walk for Mental Wellness at the institution’s headquarters along Raila Odinga Way in Nairobi.
The walk, scheduled for November 14, aims to promote open conversations about mental health, encourage early intervention and mobilise communities to support people experiencing emotional and psychological distress.
Speaking during the launch, Amani Executive Director Florence Busiega maintained that people experiencing mental health difficulties could continue meeting their daily responsibilities while struggling silently.
“The absence of a cry for help does not mean the absence of suffering,” Busiega proclaimed.
She stressed that students facing academic pressure, employees dealing with personal difficulties, and families supporting loved ones needed safe environments where they could discuss mental health concerns without shame or discrimination.
Busiega therefore called for greater compassion, early intervention and accessible professional support, particularly for people who hesitate to seek assistance because of stigma, fear of judgement or cost.
Additionally, she emphasized that mental health awareness should go beyond commemorative events and translate into practical support for individuals and families affected by psychological distress.
Under the campaign theme, ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’, the centre seeks to amplify the experiences of people who have faced mental health challenges and encourage communities to respond with empathy rather than judgement.
“A person who is struggling should not have to become a statistic before we pay attention,” Busiega cautioned.
To this regard, she urged Kenyans to listen without judgement, speak out against stigma, and create safe spaces where people can share their experiences and access appropriate care.
Notably, the campaign comes amid continuing global concern over the prevalence of mental disorders and gaps in access to treatment.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.2 billion people worldwide, or nearly one in seven, were living with a mental disorder in 2023. Anxiety and depressive disorders were the most common.
WHO also estimated that 727,000 people died by suicide globally in 2021. Suicide was the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 that year.
Importantly, the figures underscore the importance of timely intervention, reducing stigma, and improving access to mental health services.
Meanwhile, the Amani Centre said the November walk would bring together individuals, families, and institutions to promote mental wellness through community participation and collective advocacy.
Specifically, the institution provides counselling services, professional training, and community outreach aimed at promoting emotional and psychological well-being.
The Centre ultimately called on communities to recognise mental health struggles, support those affected, and translate awareness into meaningful action.
By Wasidia Freshwin
