A recent tragic case in Narok South, where a woman allegedly killed her one-year-old daughter, has reignited conversations around mental health support in rural Kenya.
According to police, the woman, suspected to be mentally unstable, was arrested after the villagers reported the incident.
Sadly, cases like this are becoming more common in Narok County. The Narok County Referral Hospital’s mental health clinic now handles over 10 suicide attempt cases each week, highlighting a growing crisis.
While Narok has made strides by establishing 58 health facilities that offer mental health services, the capacity is still low compared to the demand.
The few available services, such as the Narok County Referral Hospital and youth-friendly clinics like the Kakenya Health & Wellness Centre, are doing their best but remain heavily strained.
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Mental health services in Kenya are still underfunded, with only about Sh12 billion (USD 92 million) allocated to the sector nationwide. There are just over 140 psychiatrists serving the entire country, leaving most rural counties severely underserved.
The growing need in Narok presents a unique opportunity for social enterprises, NGOs, and private investors to step in.
There is a clear business gap in providing affordable, accessible mental health solutions through mobile counseling services, telemedicine platforms, and community-based programs.
As the government works to strengthen the national mental health framework, private players can create scalable solutions that not only save lives but also build sustainable businesses.
With increasing awareness, there is room to develop social enterprises that offer professional counseling, create employment for trained mental health workers, and promote long-term community wellness.
The Narok story is a painful reminder that mental health is not just a social issue—it’s a space where timely investment could make a difference.
