Government urged to implement suicide prevention strategy

Kenya Psychiatric Association (KPA) has called on both the national and county governments levels to implement the National Suicide Prevention Strategy to ensure effective interventions.

Speaking at the 15th Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Annual Scientific and Health Conference (KASHC), KPA President Dr Bonface Chitayi also called for investment in mental health services through capacity building of not only the facilities but also of human resources for mental health to provide adequate support.

The push for mental health in Kenya gained significant momentum in recent past following the landmark ruling by the High Court which declared Section 226 of the Penal Code, which made attempted suicide a crime, unconstitutional, as it violates the right to protection of human dignity and the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes right to mental health.

In light of this, Dr Chitayi said there is need to repeal outdated Penal Code provisions that criminalise attempted suicide to align laws with the High Court’s ruling.

During the conference, he delivered a compelling presentation on ‘Justification for decriminalising attempted suicide in Kenya and the next steps’ during which he also called on communities to foster supportive environments that encourage open discussions about mental health, reducing stigma and promoting awareness about suicide prevention and for Individuals to seek help from mental health professionals if experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Dr Chitayi pointed out the tragic reality that fear of prosecution drives many people away from seeking help. Families, already struggling with the stigma of mental illness, often remain silent rather than risk their loved ones being treated as criminals.

” The decriminalisation of attempted suicide is not an endorsement of suicidal behaviour but rather a strategic approach to prevent suicidal deaths by removing barriers that deter individuals from seeking help,” he emphasized.

Dr Chitayi disclosed that the next steps now is turning the ruling into real change. There should be reforms to release those jailed for attempted suicide as it happened under the old law that criminalized suicide.

“Survivors of suicide should be treated with compassion, and not judgement and leaders including those in the church, teachers and media professionals should be trained on how to handle suicide as it is a sensitive matter,” he appealed.

In her address to the media, KEMRI’s Research scientist Christine Njambi stated that the Institute is actively conducting research studies aimed to improve the populace’s mental health care, including research on the mental health status of family members bereaved due to suicide.

“Bereavement through suicide leaves families with untold trauma, our research will provide policies to guide how to offer proper care to the survivors,” said Njambi.

There are 700,000 suicide deaths reported every year globally and 14 million reports of attempted suicide.

In Kenya, an average of four deaths are reported per day from suicide and an average of 470 cases of attempted suicide reported to the police. The real numbers are likely much higher due to underreporting.