Some community-based mental health services in Kenya have been downgraded from “excellent” to “requires improvement” following a recent inspection by a national health oversight body.
The review, conducted in February by the Kenya Health Standards and Quality Authority (KHSQA), focused on mental health care provided to working-age adults in public facilities across counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kisumu.
Inspectors found several critical issues — among them, outdated patient care plans, long waiting periods, and gaps in staff training and support.
In response, the Ministry of Health said it had rolled out a short-term action plan that includes deploying temporary healthcare workers and conducting weekend mental health assessments in overburdened counties to help reduce waiting times.
One key concern raised was that training on intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, had not been made mandatory for mental health workers — a requirement under Kenya’s Health (Amendment) Act 2022. The ministry confirmed that this gap has since been addressed.
‘Frustrating and Lengthy Wait Times’
KHSQA Director of Mental Health Services, Dr. Victoria Masinde, noted a clear decline in care standards since the last nationwide mental health review in 2016.
She explained that staff were often unable to provide patient-centred, high-quality care due to systemic challenges. Some patients reported waiting up to two years to access counseling or psychiatric services.
“Many had only received an initial phone call, which they felt wasn’t enough. They continued waiting months — or even years — for therapy, which left them feeling helpless and frustrated,” said Dr. Masinde.
The review also highlighted that patients were not always informed of their rights under Kenya’s Mental Health Act in a way they could easily understand.
Despite these challenges, most patients interviewed said they were treated with dignity. “They told us staff were respectful, listened carefully, and explained treatment options clearly,” she added.
The Ministry of Health acknowledged the findings, stating: “We are aware that urgent improvements are needed, and we are committed to taking strong, immediate action to address the gaps raised by this report.”
