Mental Health Law Implementation Still Lagging

Despite Kenya’s progressive Mental Health Act and related policies, key provisions remain unfulfilled more than two years after enactment. Critics argue that the law has not translated into meaningful change on the ground, particularly in terms of funding, service delivery, and institutional capacity.
One major hurdle is the shortage of resources: mental health remains under‑funded, and county governments have struggled to allocate sufficient budgets to build or sustain mental health services. Analysts also highlight that some legal frameworks lack teeth because there is weak enforcement of rights enshrined in the law, such as the establishment of mental health boards and systems for community-based care Further, many people — especially in rural areas — are unaware of their rights under the law or how to demand them.
On a more positive note, Kenya has introduced reforms that align with the mental health legislation: mental health services were recently integrated into the national Taifa Care insurance benefits package. The Ministry of Health has also launched National Guidelines on Workplace Mental Wellness, a move aimed at making mental health more accessible and prioritized in formal employment.
Still, experts warn that these policy wins may not be enough unless matched by sustained action: increased budget allocations, targeted recruitment of mental health professionals, and stricter implementation of legal and regulatory standards. Counties like Nairobi have responded by developing their own Mental Health Strategic Action Plans, but the effectiveness of such plans will hinge on real, long-term commitment and tracking.