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The intersection of mental health disorders and substance addiction among Kenyan youths is a growing public health crisis. A 2024 ACCTI survey found that 45.6% of youths aged 15–24 have used substances, with over 60% of them experiencing co-occurring mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This study uses a mixed-methods approach to assess prevalence, evaluate policy effectiveness, and explore culturally informed interventions. Despite Kenya’s progressive mental health policies, including the Mental Health Policy (2015–2030) and Action Plan (2021–2025), implementation is weakened by severe underfunding only 0.01% of the national health budget and a critical shortage of mental health professionals. Western treatment models often fail to resonate with local cultural beliefs, which view psychological distress through spiritual and Indigenous lenses. Indigenous African healing practices such as storytelling, rituals, and spiritual counseling offer accessible, trusted alternatives. The study recommends integrating these Indigenous knowledge systems with Western care modalities, scaling up youth-targeted programs, and fostering culturally grounded, community-based interventions. Bridging this cultural gap is essential for effective, sustainable mental health and addiction care in Kenya.

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Harnessing African Indigenous Psychosocial Approaches to Address Mental Health Challenges and Substance Addiction Among Youths in Kenya: An Integrative Framework for Culturally Responsive Interventions

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Moses Ndwiga Kavengi

摘要

The intersection of mental health disorders and substance addiction among Kenyan youths is a growing public health crisis. A 2024 ACCTI survey found that 45.6% of youths aged 15–24 have used substances, with over 60% of them experiencing co-occurring mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This study uses a mixed-methods approach to assess prevalence, evaluate policy effectiveness, and explore culturally informed interventions. Despite Kenya’s progressive mental health policies, including the Mental Health Policy (2015–2030) and Action Plan (2021–2025), implementation is weakened by severe underfunding only 0.01% of the national health budget and a critical shortage of mental health professionals. Western treatment models often fail to resonate with local cultural beliefs, which view psychological distress through spiritual and Indigenous lenses. Indigenous African healing practices such as storytelling, rituals, and spiritual counseling offer accessible, trusted alternatives. The study recommends integrating these Indigenous knowledge systems with Western care modalities, scaling up youth-targeted programs, and fostering culturally grounded, community-based interventions. Bridging this cultural gap is essential for effective, sustainable mental health and addiction care in Kenya.