Policy brief on strengthening adolescent mental health in Kenya

Background: Depression and anxiety significantly affect Kenyan adolescents, with nearly one in three experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, yet mental health remains a neglected area in national policy. Adolescence is a critical window for mental health intervention, as most conditions begin before age 18.

Study Design: Shamiri and the Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health (AfriMeb) conducted a comprehensive study from 2021-2023 involving 7,800 adolescents aged 12-20 from 27 secondary schools across four diverse counties (Nairobi, Kiambu, Makueni, Machakos), covering urban and rural settings.

Findings: One in three adolescents showed signs of moderate to severe depression; one in four showed moderate to severe anxiety. Symptoms peaked in 2021, dropped in 2022, then rose slightly in 2023. Most impactful symptoms included persistent worrying, hopelessness, and low self-worth. Students in final-year classes, those in girls' schools, and those not living with both parents reported worse symptoms. Depression and anxiety symptoms overlap significantly, sharing 84% of underlying factors. Stronger social support and sense of control were tied to better mental health outcomes.