Kiambu men have been urged to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) and seek mental health services, following concerns that they account for more than 90 percent of reported suicide cases in the sub-county over the past three years.
As Kenya joins the rest of the world in marking World Suicide Prevention Month, mental health stakeholders and local administrators have called for greater openness and support to help men experiencing emotional distress seek assistance.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed every year on September 10 to raise awareness that suicide can be prevented. The 2024–2026 global theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, with this year’s call to action being “Start the Conversation”.
The theme seeks to encourage open conversations, reduce stigma and help people feel able to seek support when experiencing distress.
Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, Kiambu East Sub-County Police Commander Elema Hassan Sora said about 12 suicide cases had been reported so far this year, raising concern over the figures.
“Among the reported suicide methods are drowning, suicide by hanging, chemical induction, while a large number remain unknown. Our records reveal that the men remain the most affected,” Sora said.
Kiambu Town Acting Chief Peter Gachwe attributed some of the mental health challenges affecting men in the community to depression, unemployment, alcohol and substance abuse, family breakups and HIV/AIDS stigma.
Gachwe said many men may suffer in silence because they do not know where to turn for assistance, urging them to register with SHA and make use of mental health and addiction services available.
“We have been encouraging men and communities in general to register with SHA. You know SHA covers treatment for mental health, drug and substance addiction. This way, as a man you get the help you need,” he said.
The call comes amid a gender gap in SHA registration in Kiambu County. Data from the Social Health Authority as of September 15, 2026 shows that Kiambu ranked 18th among Kenya’s 47 counties in registration, with women recording a higher registration rate than men.
Figures provided by SHA show 1,186,911 women are registered, accounting for 67 percent, against 1,230,230 men, who are lagging behind at 57.8 percent.
The mental wellness benefit package under SHA includes mental health education, counselling and psychosocial support, as well as screening, management and referral for behavioural, neurodevelopmental, affective and psychoactive disorders. It also provides rehabilitation for substance-related addictive disorders.
The package provides outpatient mental health services at a tariff of Sh1,200 per visit, with a limit of seven visits. Inpatient services are covered at different tariffs depending on the level of facility, while substance-use treatment includes detoxification and rehabilitation under specified package limits and access rules.
Gachwe said the local administration was also working with State and non-State actors to address alcohol and substance abuse, including through community awareness activities.
“Like today we had a walk to create awareness about alcohol and substance abuse in collaboration with a non-state organization. We are taking this education to schools. Like last week I visited Kiambu Township Secondary School to give a talk to the students. These students are finishing school soon and we want them to be aware of what is out there, and how to avoid falling into the trap of addiction,” the chief explained.
He further called for women and the wider community to play a role in supporting boys and men, noting that suicide prevention requires people to notice when someone is struggling and encourage them to seek help rather than suffer in silence.
He said intervention, timely referrals and supportive family networks could help prevent crises and encourage affected men to seek care.
“We know the issue of mental health cannot be solved by one department, but we are working together and we can see the progress,” he said.
WHO is urging countries and communities to move from silence and stigma towards openness, empathy and access to care, ahead of the upcoming World Mental Health Day on October 10, whose 2026 theme is “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”.
by Rose Muthoni
