Uasin Gishu County Secures Major Mental Health Boost in Landmark KAMILI Partnership

Uasin Gishu County has entered into a strategic partnership with KAMILI Organization to significantly strengthen mental health services across facilities and communities, marking one of the county’s most comprehensive mental health support initiatives to date.

The collaboration will focus on expanding community psychiatry programs, strengthening capacity building for healthcare workers, rolling out mental health awareness campaigns, supporting workplace mental health interventions, and improving caregiver livelihood programs. A key highlight of the initiative is the full sponsorship of six nurses to pursue a Higher National Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing, alongside monthly mental health webinars conducted in partnership with the Nursing Council of Kenya.

Speaking during the engagement, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Services Dr. Billy Lubanga welcomed the partnership, noting that it would help close critical gaps in mental health service delivery. He emphasized the importance of developing a robust Mental Health Action Plan and Policy to guide long-term interventions in the county.

Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Services Laban Kiprop underscored the need to integrate mental health programs in schools, highlighting early screening and prevention as key to addressing mental health challenges among learners.

Director of Medical Services Dr. Evans Kiprotich stressed the importance of community-based prevention strategies, particularly through the training of Community Health Promoters to improve early detection and referral of mental health cases.

In the nursing department, Director of Nursing Services Betty Chirchir welcomed the sponsorship program, noting that the county continues to face a shortage of specialized mental health nurses. She said the initiative will strengthen workforce capacity and improve access to quality mental healthcare at both facility and community levels. Another nursing representative, Ann also praised the partnership for addressing critical staffing gaps in psychiatric care.

KAMILI Organization Team Lead Jackson Amanya reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting sustainable, community-centered mental health interventions. He described mental health as a growing public health concern requiring coordinated action between government, healthcare workers, communities, and development partners.

He further confirmed KAMILI’s commitment to sponsoring six nurses for advanced psychiatric training, alongside supporting awareness campaigns, workplace mental health programs, and community psychiatry initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and improving access to care.

County Mental Health Coordinator Joan Chebon was also present during the engagement, as stakeholders pledged stronger collaboration to scale up mental health services.

The partnership is expected to significantly enhance prevention, treatment, and awareness efforts across health facilities and communities in Uasin Gishu County, positioning mental health as a key priority in the county’s public health agenda.