Uasin Gishu Confronts Alarming Surge in Mental Health Cases as County Expands Support Systems
Uasin Gishu County is raising the alarm over a sharp increase in mental health cases, with new data showing more than 4,000 residents have been diagnosed in the past three years. Speaking during a county event in Eldoret aimed at scaling up mental health interventions, Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea said the upward trend reflects a deepening public health challenge and underscores persistent gaps in access to care. He noted that Ainabkoi remains the most affected subcounty, while Kesses and Moiben continue to record steady rises due to increased awareness and reporting.
According to county health officials, changing social pressures, substance abuse, and economic stress are among the factors fuelling the rising cases. Health Services Executive Joseph Lagat revealed that residents registered under the Social Health Authority can now access free mental health treatment at the Moiben Rehabilitation Centre, part of efforts to ease the burden on families. During the event, Deputy Speaker Sarah Malel and Majority Leader Julius Sang pledged strong legislative support, noting that mental wellness must be prioritised to safeguard productivity and morale among county workers. Officials further highlighted a three-month rehabilitation programme that has helped reintegrate dozens of residents, with plans underway to open an additional centre at Kamalel.
The county leadership says the focus now is on strengthening data systems, improving outreach, and ensuring no resident is left behind. Kapkea emphasised that mental health must be treated as a human right, not a privilege, calling for inclusive and community-driven responses. Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Paul Wangwe praised Governor Jonathan Bii’s ongoing efforts, including the establishment of a countywide alcohol and drug abuse rehabilitation framework aimed at decentralising services to every subcounty. Leaders expressed optimism that expanding facilities, increasing follow-up care, and investing in staff wellness—including proposed gym facilities for county workers—will help curb the rising trend. As Uasin Gishu intensifies its interventions, local leaders hope that sustained investment, public engagement, and reduced stigma will gradually reverse the mental health crisis affecting thousands.