More Kenyans Seek Counseling Amid Economic Stress

With inflation biting hard and living costs rising, a growing number of Kenyans are turning to counselling services as economic pressures take a toll on their mental health. Civil servants, in particular, have reported a significant increase in stress, anxiety, and depression — with cases among public employees surging to around 14,000 annually, up from just 4,000 before the COVID‑19 pandemic.
The State Department for Public Service has responded by expanding mental health support systems. According to Principal Secretary Amos Njoroge Gathecha, the government is hiring more counsellors and establishing formal counselling and wellness services at Huduma Centres nationwide.This move is part of a broader effort under the newly approved Public Service Counselling and Wellness Policy, designed to make psychological help more accessible and reduce the stigma around seeking support.
Mental health experts and community advocates also emphasize the link between financial strain and psychological distress. Economic hardships — including job losses, low wages, and inflation — are increasingly cited as drivers of mental illness in Kenya. Some counties, like Nakuru, are stepping up with local mental wellness programs: County health officials say they are training workplace supervisors and community members to recognize signs of distress and refer people for counselling.
But challenges remain. Kenya has a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with only around 120 psychiatrists serving over 50 million people, making access difficult for many. Experts are calling for increased funding, better integration of mental health in primary care, and stronger community-based interventions to meet the surging demand.