Abstract:
This paper discusses how the Kenyan mainstream media represents mental health issues and
points of divergence from the situation facing the mental health sector in Kenya. A critical
analysis was needed because globally mental health is on the increase, with 25% of Kenyans
affected by mental health-related issues, especially anxiety disorder, depression and
psychosomatic illnesses. Globally as well as in Africa, media has been singled out as a critical
partner in mental health public education and policy advocacy. It was therefore important to not
only investigate how mainstream media in Kenya represents mental health issues but also
establish how that representation compares with the ‘reality’ facing the mental health sector. The
study adopted the relativist-constructivist paradigm, qualitative research approach and case study
method. Purposive and snowball sampling strategies were applied to identify participants. Data
was generated through in-depth interviews and document analysis while the data was analyzed
thematically. Trustworthiness was ensured through methodological and data source triangulation
and peer review. Ethical standards were upheld through seeking of relevant approvals, informed
consent, upholding anonymity and confidentiality of the participants. The findings from the
study established that whereas media representation of mental health issues has increased slightly
in the Kenyan mainstream media, the representation tended to deviate from the situation facing
the mental health sector in the country. This paper concludes by pointing out that mental health
communication is complex, and it is imperative that the mental health stakeholders form strong
collaboration with media, which will see result in capacity building of media personnel, pushing
for mental health reporting guidelines and a strategic media advocacy plan for the media to drive
mental health public education and policy influence.
