By Eddah Waithaka
New initiative will train over 100,000 community health workers to bridge a critical gap in care for millions of Kenyans.
A powerful new collaboration today launches a nationwide offensive against Kenya’s severe mental health crisis.
Johnson & Johnson, in partnership with the Kenya Ministry of Health, unveiled the Kenya Mental Health Project, a transformative initiative designed to shatter stigma and deploy an army of community-based caregivers across the nation.
The project confronts a stark reality: mental health conditions affect at least 15% of the working population approximately 3.7 million people.
A crippling shortage of specialists, with only 116 psychiatrists serving 50 million citizens, and widespread cultural stigma have long prevented most from seeking or receiving help.
“This initiative represents a significant step toward a more resilient and inclusive mental health system in Kenya,” said Dr. Mercy Karanja, Head of the Division of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health.
“Collaborating with Johnson & Johnson allows us to expand mental health services beyond clinics, directly reaching communities and equipping them to address challenges proactively.”
Building a Grassroots Mental Health Army
The initiative’s cornerstone is an ambitious training program that will empower a new front line of mental health support.
By 2026, the project aims to equip 5,000 Community Health Assistants and 100,000 Community Health Promoters with a comprehensive mental health module.
This grassroots network will learn to identify early signs of mental distress, guide individuals to care, and provide ongoing support within their own communities.
The approach directly tackles the specialist shortage by integrating mental health into primary care. “At the heart of this initiative are the people it seeks to serve,” said Sanae Mousannif, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine.
“We are working hand in hand with healthcare providers to equip them with the skills and resources needed to support patients, caregivers, and communities throughout their journey.”
A Multi-Faceted Strategy for Lasting Change
Announced at the 2nd National Mental Health Conference, the project employs a multi-pronged strategy.
Alongside professional training, the initiative will roll out public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful stereotypes and encourage open conversations about mental wellbeing.
Anthony Gitau, Director of Program Delivery & Impact for Global Health Equity at Johnson & Johnson, emphasized the focus on sustainability.
“By strengthening health facilities and supporting the people who deliver care every day, we are making it easier for individuals to seek help early, without fear or long delays. This approach will ensure that care is not just available but truly woven into the daily lives of Kenyans.”
The Kenya Mental Health Project builds upon the government’s existing Mental Health Policy and Suicide Prevention Strategy, creating a unified, community-powered model to ensure no Kenyan has to face mental health challenges alone.
