The CEO and Lead Surgeon of Tophill Hospital, Dr. Florentius Koech, has raised serious concerns over the growing mental health crisis among Kenya’s youth, citing societal pressures, economic hardship, and substance abuse as key drivers of the disturbing trend.
In a candid statement released this week, Dr. Koech highlighted the increasing number of young people presenting with various mental health disorders at healthcare facilities across the country, noting that conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and drug-induced psychosis are now more common than ever before.
“We are now starting to see an alarming increase in young people with a wide range of mental health issues, from depression to bipolar disorders,” said Dr. Koech. “This is no longer a hidden or occasional concern—it’s becoming a full-blown crisis.”
According to Dr. Koech, the rapid transformation of modern society has left many young people vulnerable. He pointed to heightened societal pressure to achieve success—often defined by unrealistic standards—as one of the major causes of psychological distress.
“There is a lot of pressure in society today, especially among the youth, to perform and to succeed. But the definition of success has changed from previous generations, and many young people feel overwhelmed trying to live up to those expectations,” he explained.
Adding to this burden is the skyrocketing cost of living, which has created economic stress for many households. Dr. Koech noted that the financial strain often extends to young people who are struggling to find employment, complete their education, or support their families.
“This economic strain is putting immense pressure on individuals, leading to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and chronic stress—key ingredients for mental health breakdowns,” he said.
Dr. Koech also flagged substance abuse as a growing and dangerous factor contributing to mental health disorders. He warned that the increased consumption of alcohol and narcotics, particularly bhang, is wreaking havoc on the emotional and psychological well-being of youth.
“The abuse of substances like alcohol and bhang is rampant, and it’s aggravating mental health challenges. Many of the cases we see are a combination of underlying psychological issues worsened by intoxication and addiction,” he added.
The Tophill Hospital CEO called for urgent, coordinated efforts across sectors to address the crisis, including community education, increased access to mental health services, and the establishment of more youth-focused support programs.
Dr. Koech emphasized the need to destigmatize mental illness so that more young people can seek help without fear or shame.
“We must treat mental health with the same seriousness as physical health,” he said. “It’s time to prioritize the mental well-being of our youth before we lose more lives and potential to a preventable crisis.”
He urged the government, educational institutions, families, and the private sector to work together in creating safe spaces, strengthening counselling services, and making treatment more accessible and affordable.
As Kenya grapples with a shifting social and economic landscape, Dr. Koech’s remarks serve as a sobering reminder of the mental toll this environment is taking on the country’s younger generation—and the urgent need for action.
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