Mental health policy and programmes in Kenya

Abstract

Following a 10-year war of liberation (fought by the Mau Mau against the British), Kenya attained full independence from colonial rule in 1963. For 10 years the country enjoyed rapid economic growth (6–7% per annum) but this slowed steadily to near stagnation in the 1990s. Poor governance, abuse of human rights, internal displacements of citizens, large numbers of refugees from neighbouring countries and the AIDS pandemic conspired to reduce Kenyans’ life expectancy to 47 years (in the UK it is presently 77 years). Some 42% of the population now live below the poverty line, and 26% of Kenyans exist on less than US$1 per day. The annual per capita income in Kenya is US$360 (in the UK it is $24 000) (World Bank, 2002). AIDS currently has an estimated prevalence rate of 12%. In large parts of rural Kenya many sexually active adults are unable to work, and elderly grandparents are left to look after orphaned children (some already infected with HIV), as they struggle to deal with their own grief for the loss of many of their own children. In December 2002 a new government was elected, which gives some grounds for optimism in an otherwise bleak situation.

Treatment outcomes of a stage 1 cognitive–behavioral trial to reduce alcohol use among human immunodeficiency virus‐infected out‐patients in western Kenya

“…HIV prevalence was estimated to be 7.4% in 2007 (28). There are few professional resources for treating alcohol use disorders; in 2005, there were 47 psychiatrists serving the entire country (29). …”

Ethical Issues in a Stage 1 Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Feasibility Study and Trial to Reduce Alcohol Use Among HIV-Infected Outpatients in Western Kenya

“…HIV prevalence was estimated to be 7.4% in 2007, with female youth ages 15-24 at four times the prevalence of male youth (National AIDS and STI Programme, 2008). There are few professional resources in Kenya for treating alcohol use disorders; in 2005, there were 47 psychiatrists serving the entire country (Njenga & Kigamwa, 2005). In this setting, strong social networks support and strengthen communities (Ayuku et al, 2003).…”

Navigating the Libido Dominandi: Intricate Realities of Forensic Psychiatry Research Ethics in Zimbabwe

“…This situatedness of the researcher therefore seemed to have influenced how the prison system staff reacted to issues of security. The researcher was at least able to successfully negotiate the removal of guards during interviews but physical barriers remained for forensic psychiatric patient participants [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28].…”