Men’s Mental Health Matters
The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”
In Kenya, mental health struggles—particularly among men and boys—are often overlooked or silenced. The 2022 National Mental Health Survey revealed that over two-fifths of adolescents (44.3%) aged 10–17 had a mental health problem, and 12.2% met the criteria for a mental disorder. It’s estimated that one in four Kenyans has a common mental health disorder (Ministry of Health, Task Force on Mental Health). And according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Health (MoH), suicide rates are higher among men than women (MoH Policy Brief, 2023).
In response, the Kenyan government’s mental health action plan 2021–2025 proposes the integration of mental health into primary care settings, yet there is limited evidence or documentation of how this is happening in practice. Moreover, implementation of this action plan poses serious challenges when faced with the shortage of mental health workers. Although data are hard to come by, in 2020 there were a reported 120 psychiatrists in all of Kenya (BMC Health Serv Res, 2023), and the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association reports a membership of approximately 7,700.
“Men are suffering in silence because there's a lot of stigma.”
Paul Njogu, TLP Medical Psychologist
The most recent Report on the Provision of Mental Healthcare Services in Kenya, conducted by the office of the Auditor General from 2017, showed that psychiatric units are only available in 25 out of the 47 counties, meaning that 22 counties did not have mental health care facilities. Across Kenya, it is estimated that 75% of people have limited access to mental health services (MoH Policy Brief, 2023).
At The Leo Project (TLP), mental health is integrated into our primary health care clinic via our Mental Health Department, led by Paul Njogu, Medical Psychologist, and Karen Kihu, Counselling Psychologist. Men’s mental health is part of our daily work. Through both clinical support and education, Paul and Karen are breaking down stigma and creating spaces where men and boys feel seen, heard, and understood.
Paul’s journey into psychology began with curiosity—and a bit of television inspiration. As a teenager noticing shifts in his own emotions, he was drawn to the idea of understanding the human mind. He also became fascinated by the fictional detective Monk, whose psychological insight helped solve crimes. That fascination helped him realize that psychology was where his interest lay.
Karen’s story is equally personal. Her commitment to mental health education is rooted in her own high school experiences of struggle and survival. What pulled her through difficult times and mental health challenges was a group of friends who showed up for her every day and listened. Which is why she says that “a listening ear” can be the most important thing you can offer to someone.
Today, Paul and Karen bring their expertise, personal experience, and passion to the mental health department at The Leo Project.
Karen teaches TLP’s Life Skills and SRH program in local primary and secondary schools, leading weekly sessions that focus on everything from mental health to confidence building. Through the course, she encourages students to open up about stigmatized issues like depression and anxiety. While many, especially boys, are hesitant to directly share their struggles, they often describe their experiences as happening to “a friend,” a pattern Karen recognizes as an indirect way of seeking help. After class, boys often approach her privately to share what they’re going through, from everyday conflicts to more serious emotional challenges.
Karen teaching in Naibor primary school
Her compassionate, steady presence has helped nearly 200 boys this year alone begin to recognize, name, and manage their emotions—skills they’re rarely encouraged to develop elsewhere. “In Kenya, we are still not accepting of mental health. It is not something that is accepted, especially by parents,” Karen shared.
This lack of acceptance leads to stigma and silence. Paul explains that, although people in more urban areas like Nairobi are increasingly open to therapy and mental health discussions, men in rural communities like the ones surrounding the health clinic here in Laikipia County still face strong cultural resistance. “Even when men try to speak up, they're silenced with things like, ‘You're not man enough; Be a little bit harder.’” These phrases reinforce a false ideal of masculinity—one that pushes men to suppress pain rather than seek help.
“It is not easy,” Karen says. “Especially being a man because you're supposed to be the head, you're supposed to be the leader, you're not supposed to show your emotions.”
“It is not easy. Especially being a man because you're supposed to be the head, you're supposed to be the leader, you're not supposed to show your emotions.”
Karen Kihu, TLP Counselling Psychologist
TLP’s mental health education programs are an essential component of creating change. In our Community Mental Health Literacy course, Paul works with local leaders—chiefs, pastors, teachers, community health workers, and police officers, who are trusted voices in their communities. “When a chief talks about mental health, it means something. People listen. That’s how you start to shift mindsets,” explains Paul. This shift creates a ripple effect throughout communities that can have a powerful and life-saving impact.
Paul also supports men through one-on-one and group therapy. Of his clients, 43% are men, most returning for monthly therapy sessions. Through this work, Paul is helping men speak more openly about their struggles. When asked why men’s mental health needs special attention, Paul doesn't hesitate: “Men are suffering in silence because there's a lot of stigma.”
So, what can men do to take better care of their mental health?
“One thing that a man can do is get their facts right. There is a lot of misinformation out there,” Paul advises. It’s a toxic misconception that women are more emotional than men, he adds. “Women are not more emotional; it's only that women express emotions more than men. One of the worst things that men do is emotional suppression.”
His advice? “Be vulnerable. Be in tune with your emotions. It doesn't make you weak; it makes you human.”
Paul hosting a communitiy mental health conversation
When asked what she hopes for boys and young men in Laikipia, Karen says: “I'd say one, love yourself. That is the biggest tool that you can have. Another one is to listen to yourself. Your intuition, your instincts—listen to yourself.”
At The Leo Project, we understand that many boys and men are navigating deep, often unspoken struggles, and they are expected to do so silently and alone. The pressure to appear strong, the fear of being judged, and the lack of safe spaces to open up often keep them silent. But silence comes at a cost. As Karen explained, “Our emotions need an outlet.” By making room for honest conversations and support, we’re hoping to shift that reality. We hope more boys and men will take the courageous step to speak openly about what they’re going through—and just as importantly, to show up for others who do the same. As Paul says, being vulnerable doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. Here’s to all of us being a little more human.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or having thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. Here are some resources you can reach out to for help.
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