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{
    "id": 1521504,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1521504/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 64,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kibwana",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 277,
        "legal_name": "Kibwana Kivutha",
        "slug": "kibwana-kivutha"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speakr, Sir, I take this opportunity to commend and congratulate the petitioners, including the Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR), Charity Muturi, the Kenya Psychiatrists Association and other stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to this noble cause. These efforts have set a precedent for a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to mental health in our country. This ruling aligns with our constitutional values under Article 43, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including mental health. It further upholds the principles of equality, non-discrimination and human dignity enshrined in Articles 27 and 28 of the Constitution. However, the decriminalization of attempted suicide is a significant milestone. It is only the beginning. As legislators, we must now focus on strengthening mental health care in Kenya. In this regard, I wish to propose the following urgent interventions- (1) Amendment of relevant laws; parliament must swiftly repeal all provisions of the penal code that decriminalize mental health-related conditions and align our legal framework with global best practices. (2) Increase budgetary allocation for mental health; there is a critical need for more resources in mental health services, including counseling, rehabilitation and suicide prevention programs at all levels of health care. (3) Public awareness and destigmatization campaigns; the Ministry of Health in collaboration with other stakeholders, should intensify public education on mental health, emphasizing that suicide is a medical condition and not a crime. (4) Establishment of crisis response units; counties should establish well-equipped mental health crisis response teams to provide timely intervention for individuals in distress. (5) Implementation of the Suicide Prevention Strategy 2021-2026; the Government must fully implement the existing strategy, focusing on early detection, intervention and community-based mental health support programs. Mr. Speaker, Sir, this ruling reaffirms the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding fundamental rights and protecting vulnerable members of our society. It is now upon us as the Senate to complement this progress by ensuring that the necessary legislative and policy measures are enacted to promote a supportive, rehabilitative and dignified approach to mental health care in Kenya. I urge all my colleagues to join hands in this mission to transform Kenya into a country that treats mental health with the urgency, care and humanity it deserves. I thank you."
}