Speaking during the Service for the Renewal of Church Vows at AIPCEA Gatundu North, Bishop Samuel Kamau, overseer of AIPCEA Church in Gatundu Central, attributed the worrying trend to the high cost of living and rampant unemployment.
“The mental health burden is weighing heavily on families. Many are giving up because they cannot cope with joblessness and daily struggles. We need counselling centers and practical interventions,” Bishop Kamau said.
He encouraged churches to do more by holding seminars on counselling and prayer, particularly for young couples, to help them navigate life’s challenges with hope and resilience. He also urged young people not to despair but to seek opportunities to earn an honest living through hard work and determination.
Former Kiambu Deputy Governor Joyce Wanjiku Ngugi echoed the bishop’s concerns, emphasizing the need for the government to prioritize job creation for the youth.
“Idle young people are vulnerable to hopelessness. Creating jobs and empowering counselling professionals will go a long way in addressing this crisis,” she said.
Wanjiku further stressed early intervention, including rehabilitation for substance abusers and counselling for those overwhelmed by psychological stress, to prevent suicides and other destructive behavior.
The leaders called on both government and the church to work hand in hand to address mental health challenges, lower the cost of living, and give Kenyans hope for a better future.
