The World Health Organization (WHO) stated the importance of addressing mental health resources in Africa. In Kenya, mental disorder burdens people with a life of disability. WHO mentioned that 80% of the population in Africa uses traditional medicine for primary healthcare needs. This includes mental health services. Kenya is one of the countries where people practice this. This means that traditional healers play a huge role in providing mental health care in Kenya.
However, Kenya has made efforts to address mental health apart from traditional means. Their efforts include the creation of a new constitution in 2010. This new constitution created a better system of government, which paid more attention to health care. Still, the country lacks the provision of important mental health resources. Thankfully, lawmakers are still discussing the Kenya 2014 mental health bill in the parliament.
All of these mean that Kenya, a country with over 50 million people, faces serious challenges in providing mental healthcare resources. Many Kenyans struggle to access quality care. This is because of a shortage of mental health professionals, limited infrastructure, and shame surrounding mental health illness. However, a growing number of mental health startups have started providing mental health resources. They use technology, creativity, and community-driven approaches to improve the psychological well-being of the citizens.
Wazi
Wazi has its headquarters in Nairobi. Dr. Ken Okoro started this project. As such, it is a digital mental health platform that provides mental health resources. These resources include therapy services to individuals and companies across Kenya. Wazi connects you with mental health support anonymously and securely. It provides access to psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists. This startup focuses on convenience, affordability, and anonymity. In that way, people can seek help from the comfort of their own homes. Wazi works with healthcare providers and organizations to promote mental health awareness.
Shepherd’s Centre
In 2018, Dr. Njeri Kariuki, a Kenyan, founded the Shepherd’s Centre mental health startup. This startup offers different approaches to mental health care by adding traditional healing practices and community support to the mix. It provides much-needed mental health resources in the form of counselling services, support groups, and community outreach programs. Thus, it promotes mental health awareness and reduces stigma.
Mental Health Resources From Mental 360
Mental 360 is a nonprofit mental health startup group located in Nairobi. It was founded in 2020 by Dr. David Kuria. This startup focuses on stress management, anxiety and depression. It also offers online mental health resources such as worship and social events to help Kenyans grow. As time goes on, the main aim is for Kenyans to develop a coping strategy and improve their mental well-being. Mental 360 is a youth-led organization. Therefore, it serves the youth by promoting mental health awareness. It also creates support systems and advocates for the provision of mental health services for everyone. It partners with schools and healthcare providers to promote mental health awareness and improve access to care.
Afya Pap’s Mental Health Resources
Afya Pap is a telehealth service. It is created for self-monitoring, self-management, remote monitoring, and teleconsultation. Also, It provides access to quality health services to children and adolescents. It was founded by Dr. Victoria Mutiso in 2019. This startup offers online resources, games, and activities to help young people develop emotional intelligence and manage stress. This startup group works with schools, organizations and healthcare providers to improve access to mental health care. They also work to reduce the negativity surrounding psychological well-being.
Panda Health
This is a startup group located in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi. It has 19 medical health centres across Nairobi. Therefore, it is one of the largest healthcare providers in East Africa. Penda Health, founded in 2012 by Dr. Carolyn Gakenia, is focused on providing mental health resources. This startup offers primary care services, including mental health support, through its clinics and online platforms. To achieve this, it works together with healthcare providers and organizations to spread mental health awareness and also healthcare to the general public.
The Way Forward
Despite the growth of mental health startups in Kenya, challenges remain. Securing funding is a major problem as investors mostly go for more advanced and established industries. Limited internet, inadequate technology, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure are also a problem. They halt the reach and effectiveness of mental health startups. Therefore, this limits the spread of mental health resources. Also, mental health stigma makes it difficult for startups to engage with communities and promote their services. Another point to consider is the lack of regulations and standards for mental health startups. This creates uncertainty and challenges for entrepreneurs.
However, it’s not all bleak. These startups are taking advantage of technology through the use of AI chatbots and digital platforms. Thus, they gain the ability to reach wider audiences and provide more accessible care. In addition, collaborating with local communities, traditional healers, and healthcare providers create culturally sensitive and effective care. Government and international organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health. As such, they are providing opportunities for startups to influence policy and advocacy efforts. These startups can continue to grow and thrive by addressing the challenges and taking opportunities. With time, they will improve the lives of millions of people across the country.
Reference
Dinius, J., Philipp, R., Ernstmann, N., Heier, L., Göritz, A., Pfisterer-Heise, S., Hammerschmidt, J., Bergelt, C., Hammer, A., & Körner, M. (2020). Inter-professional teamwork and its association with patient safety in German hospitals—A cross-sectional study. PLoS One, 15(5), e0233766.
