Issue
Mental health services in Kenya are underrepresented in the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, leaving many without access to essential care. Stigma, policy gaps, and resource limitations exacerbate these challenges, particularly for marginalised communities.
How we are helping
This project strives for equitable access to mental healthcare in Kenya. It aims to empower communities, strengthen policies, and build accountability mechanisms to ensure the inclusion of mental health services into routine health packages at all levels.
About the project
The Government of Kenya has made notable progress in its pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the recent enactment of three laws aimed at broadening the scope of public healthcare in Kenya. Despite these laudable efforts, mental health services remain inadequately represented, and inaccessible to many, especially in rural areas.
Stigma and discrimination further hinder access, while systemic challenges such as insufficient funding and policy gaps persist. Women, men, and marginalised groups face unique mental health challenges that require tailored interventions.
Project partners, Health Rights Advocacy Forum, will promote the integration of mental health services into the UHC framework, ensuring they are accessible, affordable, and equitable. Through partnerships with civil society organisations (CSOs), healthcare workers, and government stakeholders, it will foster a rights-based approach to mental health governance.
This will be achieved by:
- Conducting community awareness campaigns on the barriers that hinder in the integration of mental health services via television, radio, and social media.
- Training CSOs, healthcare workers, and government officials on rights-based approaches to mental health.
- Producing educational materials on the importance of integrating mental health services into the UHC framework.
- Conducting research on policy and legislative gaps affecting mental health integration.
- Facilitating roundtable discussions with government stakeholders to enhance mental health policies and better integrate mental health provision into routine healthcare services.
- Providing technical support to the Health Facility Management Committee (HFMC) to strengthen feedback mechanisms.
- Organising biannual meetings between HFMC and stakeholders to review progress and identify improvements.
As a result of the project, it is hoped that public awareness of mental health needs will be improved, leading to a reduction in stigma and discrimination. CSOs and healthcare providers will be better equipped to advocate for enhanced mental health services, and evidence-based recommendations will help policy-makers address gaps in mental health policies. Improved feedback and accountability mechanisms will promote health equity, and contribute to a more inclusive healthcare system in Kenya.
Project Partners
HERAF is a national non-governmental organisation that aims to transform health systems through strengthened ‘voice’ and accountability. The ultimate goal is a Kenya where health, including mental health, is equitably enjoyed by all citizens. This is achieved by: i) assessing, identifying and addressing barriers that hinder access; ii) advancing universal access to healthcare; and iii) empowering the vulnerable and most at-risk populations to comprehend their rights, roles and responsibilities in health governance.
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