Uasin Gishu Marks World Mental Health Day with Renewed Commitment to Crisis Care

 

Uasin Gishu County joined the global community in marking World Mental Health Day 2025 under the theme “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” reaffirming its dedication to strengthening mental health services and resilience across the region.

Speaking during the official county celebrations, Deputy Governor H.E. Evans Kapkea, representing Governor H.E. Dr. Jonathan Bii, emphasized the county’s resolve to make mental health care an integral part of emergency response and recovery programs — particularly during times of drought, disease outbreaks, and displacement.

“No one should be left behind — even in times of crisis,” read Governor Bii’s message delivered by Hon. Kapkea. “Mental health is not a privilege; it is a human right.”

Expanding Access to Care

Governor Bii highlighted significant strides by his administration in expanding access to mental health care. These include the establishment of the County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Centre at Moiben Sub-County Hospital, with plans to replicate similar facilities across all sub-counties.

Other notable interventions include integrating mental health services into primary health care, implementing school-based mental health screening programs, and empowering Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to identify and refer individuals showing early signs of psychological distress.

The Deputy Governor further noted that the county has deployed psychologists, counsellors, and social workers across various health facilities. Additionally, the Counselling Unit at the County Service Centre has been strengthened to support county employees, while the Disaster Management Unit now operates a dedicated call centre offering psychological support during emergencies.

“Just this month alone, we reached 843 county staff through workplace mental health programs,” the Governor’s statement read, commending the dedication of health workers and development partners.

Data-Driven Response

Presenting mental health data trends, Kapkea reported that the number of recorded mental health cases had decreased from 4,775 in 2022 to 4,019 in 2025. Governor Bii noted that the figures reflect both the evolving nature of mental health challenges and improved access to care and reporting mechanisms.

Sub-county data indicated Ainabkoi had the highest number of cases, remaining a top priority for intervention. Kesses and Moiben recorded gradual increases, likely due to heightened awareness, while Kapseret, Soy, and Turbo showed slight declines, suggesting improved outreach and early intervention.

“Our response must remain data-driven, inclusive, and adaptive,” said Dr. Bii. “We are strengthening our data systems and prioritizing high-burden areas for targeted interventions.”

Support and Legislation

County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Joseph Lagat announced that individuals registered under the Social Health Authority can access mental health services at the Moiben Rehabilitation Centre free of charge. He assured continued support for those diagnosed with mental health conditions.

County Assembly leaders, including Deputy Speaker Hon. Sarah Malel and Majority Leader Hon. Julius Sang, pledged legislative backing for the county’s mental health programs.

“We are committed to ensuring our staff remain mentally and physically fit because prevention is better than cure,” said Hon. Malel, proposing the installation of gym facilities for county staff.

Hon. Sang added, “Mental wellbeing is key. As an Assembly, we stand with the Executive in ensuring mental stability across Uasin Gishu.”

Transforming Lives

Chief Officer for Promotive and Preventive Health Dr. Paul Wangwe revealed that the county’s three-month rehabilitation program has already transformed many lives, with plans underway to establish another centre at Kamalel.

Two beneficiaries of the Moiben Rehabilitation Centre, Dickson and Denis, shared heartfelt testimonies, expressing gratitude to Governor Bii and the county health teams for restoring their hope and purpose.