Slum communities tackling youth mental health

Suicide has become an alarming reality in Kenya’s informal settlements, where young people grapple daily with poverty, broken family structures, unemployment, and drug abuse.

In communities living in informal settlement, the struggle with mental health is no longer a silent crisis it is a visible emergency that families, local leaders, and organizations are striving to confront.

The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the crisis, leaving many youths in Nairobi’s informal settlements grappling with anxiety, depression, and isolation.

For Ziporah Achieng, a mental health champion, the issue is deeply personal.
“I am a living testimony of mental health, that’s why I have decided to tell my story to others on how to handle such challenges,” Achieng said. “I also encourage them to be self-reliant in ways of earning a living.”

Experts say untreated mental health challenges among the youth often spiral into depression, anxiety, and in extreme cases, suicide.

In Kenya, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29, according to the Ministry of Health. The situation is worsened in informal settlements where social safety nets are weak.

Through creative interventions such as community dialogues, art therapy, and peer-led support groups, they are slowly changing how mental health is understood and addressed in Kenya’s largest slums.

Tiera Lilian, the Nairobi City County coordinator for Kibera and Lang’ata Sub-Counties, says adolescents face “a triple threat” of poverty, mental health struggles, and exposure to gender-based violence.
“Our young people and adolescents go through a lot, including socio-economic challenges that lead to general anxiety disorders and depression. We have facilities with doctors, psychologists, and counselors who take them through life’s challenges,” she said.

But access to care remains limited. According to Chief Joseph Songa, who oversees one of the most densely populated areas in Nairobi, unemployment, broken family ties, and

old-fashioned parenting are major root causes of mental health in school going children.

“In slum areas, the youth face psychosocial challenges from domestic conflicts and harsh environments. Some parents still use authoritarian styles, including corporal punishment, which is not workable today,” he said.

Songa noted that mental health neglect was fueling insecurity.

“When young people are left without support, they turn to drugs or violence. These programs are not just about healing individuals; they are about making our communities safer.

We are encouraging dialogue between parents and children. At the same time, we are tackling drugs and alcohol by shutting outlets around schools, which will reduce mental health challenges.”

To counter despair, youth-led initiatives have sprung up. Almas Amala, chairman of a youth advisory committee, says they run weekly sessions focusing on mental health and sexual and reproductive health.
“We group them by age to avoid giving wrong information of nine to 15 years, 16 to 18, and 20 and above,” he explained.

“We also engage them in sports and creative activities to help them cope with stress and family pressure.”

Rosemary Ayiera, Regional psychosocial support initiative [REPSSI] country representative and psychosocial support manager says integration of mental health into everyday youth programs is vital.

Ayiera note that the organization has built networks of peer groups and community health promoters.
“Kibera has many young people exposed to poverty, substance abuse, and gender-based violence. We want them to be resilient because how you confront challenges makes the difference,” Ayiera said.

“We tell them that suicide is not an option. Out of 10 suicide cases, eight are men. We are urging them to open up, ventilate, and win together by sharing.”

The Nairobi City County government has also stepped up, deploying coordinators across all sub-counties. Hellen Wekesa, the Lang’ata NCC coordinator, explains:

“We have 17 coordinators overseeing services in clinics and schools. Those with abnormal behaviors are screened and put on treatment. Severe cases are referred to Mathari

Teaching and Referral Hospital,” she said. “But stigma and harmful cultural practices remain a big impediment.”

Despite the progress, the gap remains wide. Poverty, stigma, and lack of awareness continue to push many young people into silence.

Ayiera further said suicide continue to haunts many households’ urging youth to share their stories in the provided safe spaces.

“Amid challenges, your mental health matters. Suicide is not an option. Youth have hope, they can be pulled back from the brink,” she said.

She further said the organisation targeting school going children as well as those who have dropped out, push to ensure mental health and wellbeing are part of urban development.

“Our principles revolve around domestic violence, unemployment, homosexuality, drug abuse and access to essential services, but we cannot ignore mental health. The youth are our greatest asset, and if we don’t support their mental well-being, the cycle of poverty and hopelessness continues,” said Ayiera.

The organizations have mobilized youth groups and trained community health volunteers (CHVs) to run Art for Therapy sessions every Saturday.

Through painting, games, and storytelling, young people are encouraged to express feelings that are often too painful to put into words under chose hope banner.

In Mathare’s Hospital Ward, peer facilitator Christine Wambui described how art sessions have provided a lifeline:

“Some youths sit in silence, but when they draw or write, you see the pain and also the hope. It shows us that silence is also communication.”

One of the youth participants, 19-year-old Kevin Oduor, said the sessions helped him resist peer pressure to use drugs as a coping mechanism. “Before, I thought being stressed was just normal. Now I know it’s mental health, and there are better ways to deal with it.”

The government has begun to align with these grassroots efforts. Speaking at a recent Nairobi forum, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said, “We must bring mental health out of the shadows, especially in informal settlements. Our partnership with community organizations is vital because they understand the ground realities better than anyone.”

She confirmed that the Ministry of Health is exploring ways to scale up community-led therapy models and integrate mental health into primary healthcare facilities within slums.

Simon Tongi REPSSI country advisory board member said mental health is part of a bigger fight for inclusive cities.

“Our vision is that slum residents live with dignity, with access to housing, services and also mental wellness. You cannot build inclusive cities if the youth who will inherit them are broken,” said Tongi.