The Critical Role of the Mass Media in Promoting Mental Health for the Realization of Kenya’s 2030 Vision

Abstract

Mental and psychological wellbeing of a nation plays a critical role in its development;however, 30% of Kenyans are suffering from mental disorders, with a vast majority unaware of their condition. It is also reported that a considerable proportion of persons with mental illnesses shun professional services (as much as they are scanty) due to the stigma associated with mental health. Further, stigma influences how treatment will be accepted, whether treatment will be adhered to and how people with mental illness function in the world. In Kenya stigma and discrimination are some of the major inhibition to the realization of the rights to mental health. In view of that what critical role can the mass media play in sensitizing the public about mental health? Furthermore, is there a place for the media to influence the policy makers in order to push for favourable policies? Additionally, it has been argued that persons suffering from mental illness have been denied a public voice to articulate their issues, what role can the media play in giving them a voice?