Background
Adolescent mental health is a global concern, with one in seven young people affected and half of all mental health conditions starting by age 14. In Kenya, where nearly half the population is under 18, around 40% of adolescents experience mental health difficulties, making this an urgent issue.
Methods
In 2023–2024, we surveyed over 5,500 secondary school students across eight counties to examine how emerging stressors like political instability, climate change, and indirect exposure to violence affect adolescent wellbeing.
Results
About 28% of students showed symptoms of depression and 24% reported anxiety, with girls more affected than boys. Political stress and discrimination were strongly linked to poorer mental health, while worries about climate change contributed to anxiety, especially among older students, girls, and those active in extracurricular activities.
Implications
Adolescent mental health is influenced by personal, social, and broader global stressors. Addressing these challenges requires school-based support, community and family involvement, and policies that promote media literacy, climate awareness, and anti-discrimination efforts. Programs should be gender-sensitive and evidence-based, and longitudinal research is needed to track mental health over time, including among out-of-school youth. Supporting adolescent mental health will improve current wellbeing and strengthen the future prospects of Kenya’s youth.
