Gladys Boss Shollei Leads Mental Health Awareness Drive at Eldoret National Polytechnic

 

Uasin Gishu County Woman Representative and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei, has called for open dialogue on mental health as a way of breaking stigma and creating hope for those affected.

Shollei was speaking at the Eldoret National Polytechnic in Kesses Constituency, where she joined Chiromo Hospital Group for a transformative Mental Health Awareness session. The event brought together students, staff, and mental health experts for candid conversations on the challenges and solutions surrounding mental wellness in academic spaces.

 

She emphasized that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to addressing mental health in Kenya, urging young people to seek support without fear of discrimination. “Mental health is not a weakness, it is part of our well-being. By talking openly, we are helping to break the silence and create a supportive environment where people can access the care they need,” Shollei said.

The session focused on practical steps towards self-care, resilience, and early intervention, with Chiromo Hospital Group specialists leading interactive engagements. The initiative also highlighted the importance of integrating mental health education into learning institutions as a preventive and supportive approach.

 

Eldoret National Polytechnic Chief Principal, Dr. Charles Koech, welcomed the initiative, noting that students often face academic, social, and financial pressures that can affect their mental health. He expressed appreciation for Shollei’s leadership and Chiromo Hospital Group’s commitment, adding that such programs equip students with coping strategies that will serve them beyond their academic life.

The awareness drive is part of broader national efforts to promote mental health, in line with Kenya’s Mental Health Policy, which prioritizes awareness creation, access to care, and elimination of stigma.

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