Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1458275,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1458275/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 68,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Likoni, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Mishi Mboko",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Deputy Speaker, we have a moral duty to care for our citizens, especially the vulnerable ones to ensure that their mental well-being is prioritised and guarded. The tragic cases I have highlighted are a stack reminder that mental health is not just a personal issue, but a societal one that, and has far-reaching consequences. Therefore, it is mandatory upon this august House to act and address the mental health crisis in Kenya. I want to talk about the suggested reforms which, if considered, will help us fight that menace. These includes but not limited to the following: First, is allocation of adequate resources which is a huge challenge. We need financial and human resources, mental health infrastructure and services, and establishment of stand-alone mental health facilities. Currently, we do not have them. In Mombasa, we only have the Port Rietz District Hospital for mental disorders which is very small and lacks capacity. It also lacks both the drugs and professionals. This is similar in other counties. I have mentioned about what we have experienced in Kilifi. Second, we need to integrate mental health into primary health care to improve accessibility and do away with stigma that is associated with seeking mental health services. The issue of stigmatisation is huge. Even in Parliament, some of us might be suffering from mental disorders but we cannot disclose or share with other people. It is high time we did something. Third, we need to conduct robust research and data collection to understand better the scope and drivers of the mental health crisis which will inform evidence-based policy making. In fact, we should have a programme on wellness and under it, we have a centre to ensure we tackle cases of mental disorders. Most of the cases reported concerning our staff are of absenteeism, and that is caused by mental disorders. The PSC has about seven cases, and all of them are of depression. Fourth, we need to review and update the Mental Health Act and National Mental Health Policy to align them with the Constitution and international best practices. Additionally, we need to launch public awareness campaigns to de-stigmatise mental health and encourage Kenyans to seek help without fear of discrimination or social ostracisation. Also, we need to establish robust mental health support systems in learning institutions, workplaces and other key setting to proactively address emerging challenges. We have seen what has been happening in our learning institutions. We have seen the results of love triangles cases in our universities and other institutions. This is caused by mental disorders that have not been addressed adequately. We need to act now. We owe it to the people of Kenya. We need to prioritise their mental well-being and create an environment where they can thrive free from the burden of untreated mental health conditions. I implore this august House to take the necessary steps to address this crisis and ensure a healthier and prosperous future for our nation. With those many remarks, I beg to move and call upon Hon. Catherine Omanyo to second this Motion. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker."
}