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{
    "id": 1458264,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1458264/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 57,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Likoni, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Mishi Mboko",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, aware that Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution provides that every person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health; including the right to health care services; further aware that, mental health is a key determinant of overall health and socio-economic development; recognising that the Constitution assigns to the national Government the responsibility of matters of health policy; concerned that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental and neurological disorders are common and about ten 10 per cent of the population at any given time suffers from, at least, one mental health disorder; noting that patients attending primary care clinics may have diagnoseable mental disorders; deeply concerned that, psychiatric units are only available in a few counties, indicating that patients seeking services of healthcare facilities have limited or no access to mental health care services; acknowledging that efficient access to healthcare facilities would lead to improved overall health, increased economic productivity, social equity and improved quality of life for all; now therefore, this House urges the national Government, through the Ministry of Health, to collaborate with county governments to develop a policy that will integrate mental health services at all levels of healthcare facilities in the country to enable all the citizens to access them. The mental health crisis in Kenya has reached a critical juncture and it demands urgent and comprehensive action from this honourable House. The statistics highlighted are deeply worrying. One in every four Kenyans is suffering from a mental health condition. A significant portion of outpatient cases are related to mental health issues. This crisis has far-reaching implications for the wellbeing and prosperity of our nation. The right to the highest attainable standard of health is enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution, 2010 in Article 43(1)(a) which states that: “Every person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to health care services, including reproductive health care.” However, the reality on the ground paints a stark picture. I sense an urgent need to tackle Kenya’s mental health crisis. The Mental Health Act, 1989 and the National Mental Health Policy, 2015 provide a framework, but they face a challenge of weak enforcement, unclear financial support and conflicting laws. Those hurdles contribute to the crisis we are having of one in every four Kenyans suffering from mental health issues and the frequent tragedies we experience. To fix this, I propose reforms and a strong action plan to protect and support people with mental disorders, including more resources and updated policies. I have come to learn that this problem cuts across all the counties in Kenya. Although some counties may have one or two mental health facilities, the supply of drugs in those facilities is erratic with frequent shortages. Many counties have just one or two mental health specialists. For example, in Kilifi County, there are only two mental health nurses serving a population of approximately 1.2 million. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}