This year has a well-laid calendar of the upcoming Mental Health Events in Kenya 2025, meant to increase public awareness, foster collaboration among stakeholders like the government and mental health experts. In this article, I’ll provide an overview of the upcoming mental health events in Kenya 2025.

Kenya’s State of Mental Health

Worrying statistics by the Ministry of Health and other research studies reveal that one out of four individuals seeking outpatient services in Kenyan hospitals show symptoms of a mental health condition, which roughly translates to about 25%. 

Some Key Documents

1. The Kenya Mental Health Policy 2015-2030

This document provides a comprehensive framework for mental health care system reforms in the country that align with the Constitution of Kenya 2010. It also guarantees the right to healthcare services like mental health care. It also lays down the broader national development blueprint of the Vision 2030. 

2. Kenya Mental Health Action Plan 2021-2025

This document outlines the objectives to be achieved, such as strengthening leadership and governance, ensuring access to comprehensive mental healthcare, and implementing strong preventive mental health programs at both the national and county government levels.

3. Mental Health Amendment Act of 2022. 

This historic Act greatly broadened the scope of mental illness acknowledged in the country to include those suffering from alcohol or substance abuse, those with suicidal thoughts or attempts, and also protects the rights of those suffering from mental illnesses.

This Act resulted in the legalization of attempted suicide in Kenya, which was a significant human rights breakthrough.

Roles of various stakeholders in Kenya in the mental health landscape:

• The Government, through the Ministry of Health, is the primary implementer of policies, plans, and legislative reforms. The Ministry also plans major events like the national Mental Health Conference.
• Non-Governmental Organizations, such as the Kenya Alliance for Mental Health, help in improving mental healthcare in the country by strategies like peer counselor training, sector-based training, and public health education. 
• Academic Institutions, like the Pwani University and the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, research mental health issues affecting various groups of people, and contribute to capacity building and training for future and current mental health professionals.
• Professional Associations like the Kenya Association of Professional Counsellors provide professional counseling services, academic training, and serve as a membership association.

Spotlight Calendar of Mental Health Events in Kenya 2025

• Ministry of Health Mental Health Conference: This is a significant national conference scheduled for October 8-10 of 2025, at the JW Marriott Hotel, Nairobi. Its main aim is to address some of the mental health needs of Kenyans by using a holistic and intergenerational approach. 
• MCW Global Young Leaders Conference – Sawa Project, planned by MCW Global, The Kofi Annan Foundation, and the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, is scheduled from September 3-5, 2025, in Nairobi.  This event targets young mental health professionals, community organizers, and advocates aged 25-35 from six Eastern African countries, like Kenya, for a three-day program that will cover leadership development, community engagement, among many others. Unfortunately, applications are currently closed. 

Annual Awareness Campaigns, days, and months

Besides conferences, Kenya also participates in global and national awareness campaigns that recur annually related to mental health, like:

• Mental Health Awareness Month in May is a globally observed and championed month, and Kenya joins the rest of the world on this. This year’s theme of “Community” emphasizes how collective support is key to preventing and managing mental health challenges.
• World Mental Health Day on October 10 is also another international day, initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, which is dedicated to global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. Kenya observes this day, with events such as the “Mental Health Walk” that was observed in 2024 on October 11, and likely recurring in 2025.
• World Suicide Prevention Day is on September 10 

Table 1: Annual Mental Health Awareness Days and Months in Kenya Likely  to Recur in 2025

Date/Month	Observance
March 8	International Women’s Day
March 30	World Bipolar Day
April	Alcohol Awareness Month
April	National Autism Acceptance Month
April	National Counselling Awareness Month
August 12	International Youth Day
September 10	World Suicide Prevention Day
October 1	International Day of Older Persons
October 10	World Mental Health Day
December 10	Human Rights Day

The Impact of Mental health events in kenya 2025

• Reducing Stigma by providing platforms for critical open dialogue about mental health issues, challenging the existing harmful misconceptions, and discrimination. Initiatives like MWAK’s “Sikika Mtaani” and the Mental Wellness Expo put efforts to break down these societal stigmas, making it easier for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.
• Fostering Collaboration and Networking: Conferences and workshops bring together different stakeholders where they can share insights and build partnerships. The Ministry of Health conference, for example, explicitly aims to “foster collaboration” among participants.
• Gaining Knowledge and Skills – Through panel discussions, workshops, and training sessions, attendees acquire coping strategies and evidence-based interventions for managing stress, addiction, grief, and other mental health challenges. For example, training programs offered by organizations like KAPC and KAMH directly enhance professional capacity and skills across the country.
• Advocating for Policy Change and Investment: Events provide a forum to analyze and highlight existing gaps in mental healthcare, such as inadequate funds and resources. Thus, providing an opportunity to advocate for increased resource allocation, improved infrastructure, and the robust implementation of mental health legislation. The Kenya Medical Association’s Mental Health Awareness Month objectives explicitly include advocating for policy dialogues and increased access to affordable, quality services. Similarly, the Ministry of Health conference aims to “advocate for increased investment” in mental health.
• Promoting Personal Growth and Resilience
• Emphasis on Collective Action:

How to Engage and Stay Informed bout Mental Health Events in 2025

Here’s how individuals, professionals, and organizations can engage and stay informed throughout 2025:

For Individuals:

• Attend Public Events related to mental health
• Utilize Online Resources to carry out personal research and participate in these events
• Join Support Networks
• Seek Professional Help: If you  need support, reach out to a professional counselor for therapy services

For Professionals and Organizations:

• Participate or organize in Conferences
• Engage in Training Programs
• Collaborate and Partner
• Support Advocacy Efforts

References

1. Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation. (n.d.). Events and opportunities. MHIN – Mental Health Innovation Network. Retrieved from https://www.mhinnovation.net/community/events-and-opportunities
2. Kenya Alliance for Mental Health. (n.d.). Events. Retrieved from https://www.kamh.ngo/events
3. Kenya Association of Professional Counsellors. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.kapc.or.ke/
4. Kenya Medical Research Institute. (n.d.). KEMRI champions mental health awareness in May: “Team advocates for strengthening of minds through the community.” Retrieved from https://www.kemri.go.ke/kemri-champions-mental-health-awareness-in-may-team-advocates-for-strengthening-of-minds-through-the-community/
5. Kenya National Assembly. (2022). Mental Health (Amendment) Act, 2022. Government Printer.
6. Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. (n.d.). Decriminalization of attempted suicide in Kenya. Retrieved from [Source where this was found, e.g., KNCHR website or a news report citing them].
7. MCW Global. (n.d.). Young Leaders Conference – Kenya 2025. Retrieved from https://mcwglobal.org/young-leaders-conference-sawa-2025/
8. Mental Wellness Association of Kenya. (n.d.). Empowering minds. Enriching lives. Retrieved from https://mentalwellnesskenya.org/
9. Ministry of Health, Kenya. (2015). Kenya Mental Health Policy 2015-2030. Government Printer.
10. Ministry of Health, Kenya. (2021). Kenya Mental Health Action Plan 2021-2025. Government Printer.
11. Ministry of Health, Kenya. (2021). Mental Health Investment Case 2021. Government Printer.
12. Ministry of Health, Kenya. (n.d.). Mental Health Conference – Ministry of Health, Kenya. Retrieved from https://mentalhealth.conference.co.ke/