Kenya’s mental health sector has received a timely boost after 32 newly trained community-based counselors graduated in Thika, bringing hope to grassroots communities grappling with depression, trauma, and substance abuse.
The graduates, led by Ernest Ndung’u and Perpetual Wanjiku, completed a three-month Mindful Self-Compassion course at Africana College. They pledged to work closely with vulnerable groups facing rising economic pressures, family disputes, and social challenges.
Africana College Director and renowned psychologist Dr. Susan Gitau hailed the milestone, noting that many cases of depression remain untreated due to stigma, ignorance, and limited access to professionals. She stressed that locally trained counselors can bridge this gap, providing timely interventions before crises escalate into suicide, homicide, or family breakdowns.
“These counselors are volunteers who have already intervened in cases of substance abuse, gender-based violence, and child exploitation, often making referrals to chiefs, police, or health facilities,” Dr. Gitau said.
She urged the government to fund counseling centers across all counties, warning that without structured support, the momentum could stall, leaving communities at risk. “If counties set up community counseling centers, we would reduce the burden on courts, police, and hospitals,” she added.
