Presiding over the launch on Monday, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni underscored the gravity of the health crisis and called for urgent collective action.
Nairobi, Kenya - April 20, 2026 -
Kenya has solidified its position as a hub for continental healthcare
innovation by hosting the second edition of the Mental Health Leadership
Programme (MHLP). Held at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in
partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa
CDC), the two-week intensive training brings together professionals from 17
African countries to bridge the gap in mental health governance and care.
Presiding over the launch on Monday, Principal
Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni,
underscored the gravity of the crisis. She noted that in Kenya, approximately
one in four people seeking medical care has an underlying mental health
condition, emphasizing that mental wellness is the essential backbone of any
functional health system. Muthoni highlighted Kenya’s legislative strides,
including the Mental Health (Amendment) Act of 2022 and the integration of
mental health into the Primary Health Care Act. Crucially, she noted that the
Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) now includes a dedicated mental health
package, removing significant financial barriers to care. Beyond policy, she
made a plea for cultural shifts, stating that vulnerability is not a weakness
and urging Kenyans to encourage a culture where seeking help is viewed as a point
of strength.
The programme, running until May 1, 2026, is designed
to equip a diverse cohort ranging from psychiatrists and nurses to policymakers
and media leaders with the leadership skills necessary to implement
evidence-based interventions. KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch pointed out that the
timing is impeccable, as Nairobi prepares to host the World Health Summit,
further cementing Kenya's role in global health discourse. KMTC’s commitment is
backed by tangible infrastructure, including a Centre of Excellence at the
Mathare Campus and specialized programmes across seven campuses. Partnerships
with private sector players like Johnson & Johnson have already facilitated
the training of over 200 health workers.
Dr. Mohammed Abdulaziz, Head of Disease Control and
Prevention at Africa CDC, explained the choice of venue by noting that KMTC fit
the profile of the premier institution needed for such a partnership. Kenya is
currently hosting the East African segment of five similar programmes across
the continent, and discussions are already underway to permanently integrate
this leadership course into the KMTC curriculum to ensure ongoing capacity
development. With the World Health Organization reporting that 75% of people
with mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries receive no
treatment, this initiative moves beyond clinical training. It addresses the
structural, social, and human gaps required to build a resilient, mentally
healthy Africa.
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