A devastating mental health crisis is unfolding across Nairobi, with an alarming increase in suicide rates among young people aged 18 to 32. On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, health officials in Nairobi raised serious concerns over the escalating number of suicides, particularly in Eastleigh and surrounding estates. According to Nairobi County Health Executive Tom Nyakaba, the Nairobi Funeral Home is receiving between 25 and 34 bodies from suicide every week, with eight to 10 of them being young people. This trend highlights a deepening crisis fueled by a combination of socio-economic pressures, unemployment, and inadequate mental health support.

The Weight of Economic Hardship

Many young Kenyans are grappling with immense financial pressure and a lack of employment opportunities, which experts identify as significant contributors to the mental health crisis. A recent Afrobarometer survey revealed that unemployment, the cost of living, and health are the top concerns for Kenyan youth. Despite being more educated than previous generations, 43% of young Kenyans are unemployed and actively seeking work. This widespread joblessness is linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, as many young people feel a sense of hopelessness and diminished self-worth. The pressure to achieve financial independence and meet societal expectations, coupled with the current economic instability, has created a fertile ground for mental distress.

Personal Stories of Lost Hope

Behind the statistics are heartbreaking stories of young lives cut short. One mother from Kayole lost her son, who, despite his determination to find work and support his family, succumbed to the despair of unemployment. She recounted his daily, fruitless search for a job, a routine that many young Nairobians can relate to. In another story, a 26-year-old woman in Kayole, Jackline Muthama, attempted suicide after facing rejection and isolation. Her family had moved to Nairobi from Kericho in 2013 in search of a better life, but her mother's inability to find work led to the family's disintegration. These personal accounts underscore the profound human cost of the ongoing crisis.

A Strained and Stigmatized Mental Health System

The rising number of youth suicides also exposes the inadequacies of Kenya's mental health infrastructure. Mental health remains a taboo subject in many communities, often viewed as a sign of weakness or even spiritual affliction, which discourages individuals from seeking help. According to a 2020 report from the Taskforce on Mental Health, 75% of Kenyans are unable to easily access mental health services. Counselling psychologist Jane Waithera notes that the mental health system is underfunded and inaccessible for many. This lack of accessible support, combined with societal stigma, means that many young people suffer in silence. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranked Kenya fourth in Africa for the highest number of depressed people in a 2017 report. More recent WHO data indicates a suicide rate of 6.1 per 100,000 people in Kenya, with men being at a higher risk.

Calls for Urgent and Coordinated Action

In response to the growing crisis, there are increasing calls for a multi-faceted approach to suicide prevention. Experts and community leaders are advocating for more accessible counseling services, youth support centers, and public awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health issues. The Kenyan government has taken some steps, including the launch of the Kenya Mental Health Action Plan (2021-2025) and the Suicide Prevention Strategy (2021-2026), which aims to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2026. In a significant legal reform, the High Court in January 2025 declared Section 226 of the Penal Code, which criminalized attempted suicide, as unconstitutional. While these are positive developments, there is a consensus that more needs to be done. Community-based interventions, support for peer-led initiatives, and the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare are seen as crucial steps forward. Organizations like Mental 360 and LVCT Health are already providing vital youth-led mental health support and tele-counseling services. As the nation grapples with this silent epidemic, the hope is that a combination of policy changes, increased investment, and a shift in societal attitudes can create a more supportive environment for Kenya's youth, ensuring that stories of lost hope are replaced by narratives of resilience and recovery.