Media, Technology, and Public Perception of Mental Health and National Security in Kenya

Abstract

Mental health is an increasingly recognised determinant of societal stability, socio economic development, and national resilience. The World Health Organization identifies mental well-being as essential to individual quality of life, social cohesion, and community engagement (WHO, 2022; Hollis, 2022). In Kenya, policy frameworks such as the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015–2030) envision a society where mental health is valued, promoted, and protected, free from stigma and discrimination, and grounded in rights-based care systems. This policy aligns with constitutional guarantees that every person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including mental health services (Kenya Mental Health Policy, 2015–2030; Constitution of Kenya, 2010). Despite progressive policy ambitions, mental health remains under-resourced—a challenge highlighted by officials who note that only a tiny fraction of national health budgets is allocated to mental health, contributing to infrastructure and workforce gaps across counties. Meanwhile, suicide remains a significant public health issue, reported to be among the leading causes of death for young people, with estimates of around nine deaths per 100,000 population annually (Bertuccio et al., 2024).