The government has launched a series of mental health support initiatives targeting young people, including college students and athletes, to promote wellness and reduce stigma.
Appearing before the Senate, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya said his Ministry is working with several institutions to provide mental health sensitisation, screening, and referral services.
“We have rolled out programmes in partnership with Mathari Hospital and Youth in College (JKUAT) to offer mental health sensitisation, screening and referral services for youth who may not wish to use in-college counselling,” said CS Mvurya.
He added that on-the-spot mental health support is also available through the Ministry’s Employee Wellness Officer, who provides immediate guidance during youth events.
To promote therapy-based approaches, Mvurya said the Ministry has introduced Sports and Arts Therapy programmes, such as Sports for Development and Creative Therapy Workshops, which help young people build resilience, express emotions, and develop teamwork through sports and creative activities.
The Ministry has also partnered with psychologists and counsellors to provide mental health services during youth sports camps and arts festivals. Public awareness campaigns like #EndTheStigmaKE and Mental Health Awareness Weeks have been launched to encourage open dialogue and reduce stigma around mental health.
In an effort to reach youth in remote areas, CS Mvurya said the Ministry is working with NGOs to deploy mobile mental health units during sports and arts events.
“Youth can access mental health services through referrals from coaches and youth officers, direct contact with on-site counsellors, or toll-free mental health helplines,” he said.
Mvurya also highlighted the Ministry’s role in the National Multisectoral Mental Health Action Plan (2021–2025), which focuses on youth mental health through joint campaigns and community outreach.
He cited ongoing partnerships with Basic Needs Kenya and NACADA aimed at promoting mental health literacy during sports tournaments and training youth peer educators.
“Mental health has now been formally integrated into athlete welfare,” said the CS, adding that the National Sports Safety Framework, developed with the Ministry of Health, includes mental health as a key element of athlete safety and well-being.
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