NAIROBI, KENYA – Wednesday, November 19, 2025 (EAT), marks International Men's Day, a global observance dedicated to celebrating the positive contributions of men and boys. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Men and Boys,” takes on a somber yet urgent relevance in Kenya, highlighting a deepening crisis of mental health, suicide, and immense societal pressure that forces many to suffer in silence.

The Scale of the Crisis: A Kenyan Perspective

While the day celebrates positive male role models, it also serves as a critical moment to confront the stark realities facing men’s well-being. In Kenya, men are disproportionately affected by mental health disorders. A 2022 report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed that 56.9% of individuals who have experienced mental disorders are men, compared to 43.1% of women. This statistical reality is compounded by a tragic disparity in suicide rates, with Kenyan men being significantly more likely to die by suicide than women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men globally are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, a trend starkly reflected in Kenya.

The pressure stems from a confluence of factors, including deep-seated cultural expectations, economic instability, and limited access to mental healthcare. Traditional norms often dictate that men must be stoic, resilient, and the primary breadwinners, discouraging any expression of vulnerability which may be perceived as a sign of weakness. This cultural script, combined with high unemployment and economic hardship, creates a volatile environment for mental distress. The pressure to provide for their families in a challenging economic climate can lead to severe stress, anxiety, and depression.

Barriers to Seeking Help

Despite the clear need, a significant barrier to addressing this crisis is the profound stigma surrounding mental health. Fewer than one in three Kenyan men seek regular medical care, and only 21% of those experiencing depression or anxiety receive treatment, according to a 2022 government survey. Many men fear being judged or seen as weak for admitting they are struggling, leading them to suppress their emotions or turn to harmful coping mechanisms like substance abuse. This reluctance is exacerbated by a healthcare system with few mental health professionals relative to the population and services that are primarily concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural populations underserved. Although Kenya's Mental Health Policy 2015-2030 aims to improve accessibility, implementation remains a challenge.

Physical Health Challenges

The challenges are not purely psychological. Men in Kenya also face significant physical health issues, often linked to the same cultural reluctance to seek medical advice. Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Kenyan men, yet awareness of symptoms is low, and cultural misinformation often prevents early screening and detection. This leads to delayed diagnoses, poorer prognoses, and higher mortality rates. Other pressing health concerns include HIV, tuberculosis, and substance abuse disorders, which have a significant negative impact on men, their families, and communities.

A Call for Change and Available Support

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to engage men and boys in conversations about health and masculinity. The government's National Male Engagement and Inclusion Strategy for 2025–2030 marks a strategic shift, aiming to involve men in dismantling patriarchal norms for the benefit of all genders. This reflects a broader understanding that improving men's well-being is essential for building a healthier and more equitable society. A number of organizations in Kenya are working to provide crucial support for men's mental health. These include:

• Befrienders Kenya: Provides emotional support to prevent suicide and operates a helpline (+254 722 178 177).
• The Kenya Red Cross Society: Offers mental health support and counseling services.
• Chiromo Lane Medical Centre: Specializes in mental health services, offering both inpatient and outpatient care.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Kenya (CBT-Kenya): Provides counseling and therapy sessions.
• Mental 360: A youth-led organization offering a psychosocial support helpline and wellness programs.

As Kenya observes International Men's Day, the focus extends beyond celebration to a call for systemic change. Addressing the silent crisis requires dismantling harmful stereotypes, fostering open conversations about mental and physical health, and ensuring that accessible, affordable, and male-friendly health services are available to all who need them.