As technology continues to evolve rapidly, mental health concerns are increasingly affecting people across all age groups in Kenya, with Kiambu County reflecting a growing dependence on digital platforms and artificial intelligence tools for emotional support.
Amid rising cases of stress, anxiety, and emotional breakdowns, many residents are turning to technology, including AI chatbots, as a coping mechanism.
This shift is driven by several factors, including limited access to mental health professionals, increasing emotional pressures in daily life, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence systems designed to simulate human-like conversations.
Artificial intelligence refers to a set of technologies that enable machines to learn, reason, and perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as understanding language, analyzing information, and generating responses. In recent years, AI chatbots have become more advanced, offering users immediate and personalized conversational support.
In Kenya, digital mental health platforms such as AkiliBora and Shamiri AI have been introduced to help bridge gaps in mental health services.
These tools are increasingly being used due to the shortage of professional psychologists, the high cost of care, and the limited accessibility of mental health services.
According to data from the National Institute of Health, about 74 per cent of young people and digital users turn to artificial intelligence for emotional support, largely due to the limited availability of professional mental health services.
Children and teenagers in particular are increasingly using AI chatbots to express their emotions and personal struggles, especially when professional help is difficult or costly to access.
The shortage of mental health specialists remains a major challenge in Kenya.
The World Health Organization notes that fewer than 500 psychiatrists serve a population of more than 50 million people, translating to roughly one psychiatrist for every 100,000 people, far below the recommended ratio.
As a result, many people are turning to digital platforms and AI-powered tools to fill the gap in mental health support.
WHO also estimates that between 75 and 95 per cent of people who need mental health services in Kenya do not receive treatment due to stigma, financial barriers, and under-resourced health systems.
Reports further indicate that about 25 per cent of patients seeking healthcare services in Kenya present with mental health-related conditions.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has also reported that around 35 per cent of Kenyans experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, while only two per cent access professional support.
As access to professional care remains a challenge for many, digital tools are becoming an increasingly attractive option. According to John Njenga, a young adult in Kiambu County, AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Meta AI have become a preferred option when dealing with emotional distress.
“These chatbots are more convenient nowadays because they respond quickly and help people escape loneliness. It also reduces the shame that comes with sharing personal problems with friends. It is easier to talk to ChatGPT because it does not judge and it is available anytime,” he said.
Njenga added that AI systems often provide responses that feel tailored and conversational, making them more engaging than some search engines.
“Solutions feel more personalized depending on how you phrase your problem. Unlike search engines like Google that give top ranked links to relevant websites, AI gives immediate responses in real time,” he noted.
However, mental health professionals caution that while AI tools may offer temporary relief, they should not be viewed as a replacement for professional care.
Henry Kimani, a psychologist, explains that AI chatbots can help manage mild anxiety, stress, and emotional distress in the short term, but they lack long-term therapeutic value.
“Chatbots are helpful but only for a short time,” quips Njenga.
They can support mild anxiety, stress, or panic attacks, but they are not sustainable. They may sound empathetic, but they do not have emotions. They are programmed to respond, not to feel,” he said.
Kimani further emphasized that while AI can simulate understanding, it cannot replace human emotional connection, which remains essential in addressing deeper mental health challenges.
Concerns have also been raised about privacy and data use, with experts warning that information shared with AI may be used to improve and retrain these models, which raises questions about confidentiality, particularly when users share sensitive personal information.
Health institutions and mental health advocates continue to stress that while technological advancements such as artificial intelligence are helping improve access to information, create opportunities, and simplify everyday tasks, overreliance on them may have negative consequences.
These include reduced human interaction, increased isolation, and a growing risk of emotional dependency on digital systems.
Human relationships remain essential to emotional wellbeing because real life interactions provide empathy, understanding, and emotional depth that technology cannot fully replicate.
As AI continues to become part of everyday life, the challenge will be finding a balance between embracing its benefits and using it responsibly, ensuring that technology supports mental health without replacing the human connection.
By Elizabeth Nyamotai and Grace Naishoo
