Mental health professionals have raised concern over the increasing cases of mental health challenges in workplaces, warning that the trend is negatively affecting productivity and employee wellbeing across various sectors of the economy.
Speaking during a mental health sensitization forum held in Kenol Town, officials from the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association said many employees are struggling with psychological and emotional pressures brought about by the harsh economic environment, demanding work targets, job insecurity, and family-related stress.
The Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Rachel Kiaritha, noted that although some organizations have introduced employee wellness programmes to address mental health concerns, the support available remains insufficient compared to the growing need for psychosocial assistance among workers.
Kiaritha said many employees continue to suffer in silence due to stigma and lack of adequate professional support systems within workplaces.
She emphasized the need for employers and institutions to invest more in mental health interventions and capacity building for professionals tasked with supporting employees. According to her, workplace counsellors, trainers, teachers, and human resource officers should be equipped with modern counselling and psychosocial support skills to enable them to respond effectively to mental health challenges.
She further encouraged organizations to promote work-life balance by adopting flexible working arrangements and introducing self-care programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing and morale of employees.
Kiaritha observed that healthy working environments not only improve employee welfare but also enhance productivity, teamwork, and overall institutional performance.
At the same event, the Association’s National Secretary, Edwin Kibe, warned that the country is witnessing a worrying rise in cases of violence, depression, and substance abuse, which he linked to economic hardships and emotional distress affecting many families.
Kibe urged employers to establish peer counselling programmes in workplaces and allocate resources for regular mental health sensitization workshops to help workers manage stress and cope with pressure associated with modern working environments.
He noted that many employees lack safe spaces where they can openly discuss emotional struggles, making early intervention difficult.
Meanwhile, Jane Muema, a trainer at Kiambu National Polytechnic, expressed concern over the increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among young people, saying the trend is contributing to poor academic performance, indiscipline, and school dropouts.
Muema said mental health challenges among the youth have reached alarming levels and require urgent intervention from parents, schools, religious institutions, and the government.
She observed that social media influence, peer pressure, and the struggle to cope with life challenges are increasingly affecting the mental wellbeing of young people.
“The rate of mental health challenges among the youth is very high and urgent action is needed. Social media influence is also contributing to the problem, and young people need proper guidance to help them manage life pressures responsibly,” she said.
The counsellors called on members of the public to speak openly whenever they experience stress, anxiety, depression, or emotional difficulties in order to seek professional help before the situation worsens.
They also urged parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s lives by monitoring their behaviour, maintaining open communication, and offering guidance to help them navigate social and emotional pressures.
The experts stressed that strengthening mental health awareness and support systems at home, in schools, and in workplaces is critical in addressing the growing mental health burden facing the country.
