KENYA MENTAL HEALTH POLICY

Worldwide, 3.3 million deaths every year result from harmful use of alcohol, this represent
5.9% of all deaths. The harmful use of alcohol is a causal factor in more than 200 disease
and injury conditions. Overall 5.1% of the global burden of disease and injury is
attributable to alcohol, as measured in disability- adjusted life years (DALYs).
Alcohol consumption causes death and disability relatively early in life. In the age
group 20–39 years approximately 25% of the total deaths are alcohol-attributable.
There is a causal relationship between harmful use of alcohol and a range of mental
and behavioural disorders, other non-communicable conditions as well as injuries.
Beyond health consequences, the harmful use of alcohol brings significant social
and economic losses to individuals and society at large.
The mental health policy shall adopt strategic and evidence-based approaches
to address substance use prevention, treatment and the rehabilitation of persons
with substance use disorders.
Priority Actions:
1. National strategic program on substance use prevention, treatment, care
and rehabilitation
2. Investment plans to improve access to effective substance use treatment
and care
3. Capacity building and quality assurance to meets the guidelines and
standards for evidence-based and best practices in substance use
treatment and care
4. To integrate substance use treatment and care in the health care system and
social welfare system in the comprehensive continuum of care.
2.3.5 Mental health services
The following policy directions shall apply in regard to mental health service
delivery:
1. The government shall ensure that the mental health system for service
delivery is affordable, equitable, accessible, sustainable and of good quality
2. The mental health system shall be responsive so that the performance of the
system shall meet the population expectation in dignity and respect
3. The organization of mental health services shall adopt the WHO model of
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