Kiambu County has the highest number of suicide cases in Kenya, this is according to a report by Mental 360 dubbed “Nakujali”.

The report, released on Thursday, March 21, attributed the rise of mental health-related deaths — not just in Kiambu but Kenya in general — to the high cost of living and stigma around mental health.

“Stigma remains the primary barrier to reducing suicide cases, as we often dismiss these issues or downplay their significance. It’s crucial that we become more intentional about actively listening when people are willing to talk about their struggles,” Dr Joyce Wangari said during the launch of the report.

Records show that suicide rates have been on the rise, particularly among the youth, rising by a whopping 585 in the last decade.

Mental 360 Executive Director Bright Shitemi has called on Kenyans to always seek help when faced with life challenges as a way of preventing suicide cases.

“I overcame my mental health struggles by openly discussing my issues with friends and actively participating in sports. Football, in particular, was a passion of mine, and it helped me connect with others my age. I had to change my social circle and environment,” one Shem Chahira shared.

Speaking on behalf of political leadership in Kiambu County, Githunguri MCA Joseph Muhinja, who is also the Kiambu County Assembly Health Committee chairperson, indicated commitment from the county leadership to support advocacy efforts for policy and investment in mental health in Kiambu.

Muhinja added that his committee is working round the clock to establish policies that are aligned in curbing mental health menace and save the young generation from the ruins of alcohol and drugs and substance abuse.