Boost for Mental Health in Kenya as Johnson & Johnson Partners with Ministry of Health to Train Thousands
Nairobi, Kenya, October 10, 2025 — Kenya’s efforts to tackle its growing mental health crisis have received a major boost following the launch of the Kenya Mental Health Project, a collaborative initiative between Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC (Kenya Branch) and the Ministry of Health. The programme seeks to strengthen mental health care delivery, reduce stigma, and empower communities across the country.
According to the Mental Health Strategic Action Plan, an estimated 15 percent of Kenya’s working population—around 3.7 million people—suffer from mental health disorders. Yet access to treatment remains limited, with fewer than 500 mental health specialists and only 116 psychiatrists serving a population of over 50 million. This shortage, compounded by persistent cultural stigma, has left many Kenyans without proper care.
The Kenya Mental Health Project aims to close these gaps by training 5,000 Community Health Assistants and 100,000 Community Health Promoters by 2026. The initiative will equip frontline workers and community leaders with essential skills to recognize early signs of mental illness, provide appropriate guidance, and link individuals to care and long-term support.
Speaking during the project’s unveiling at the 2nd National Mental Health Conference, Dr. Mercy Karanja, Head of the Division of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, hailed the partnership as a turning point for Kenya’s mental health system. “Collaborating with Johnson & Johnson allows us to take mental health care beyond hospital walls and into communities. This initiative is a major step toward a more resilient and inclusive mental health system,” she said.
Sanae Mousannif, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, emphasized the project’s people-centered approach. “We are working hand in hand with healthcare providers to ensure equitable access to mental health services. Our goal is to empower health care teams and make support accessible to all Kenyans who need it,” she noted.
The project also includes public awareness campaigns and community engagement activities aimed at challenging stigma, encouraging open conversations, and promoting early intervention.
Anthony Gitau, Director of Program Delivery & Impact, Global Health Equity at Johnson & Johnson, added: “Lasting progress depends on strengthening those who deliver care. By empowering health workers, we make it easier for people to seek help early and without fear.”
Anchored in Kenya’s Mental Health Policy (2015–2030) and Suicide Prevention Strategy (2021–2026), the initiative underscores a shared commitment to integrating mental health into primary care and building a stigma-free society.
