In a move to further strengthen mental health within Trans Nzoia County, Afya Care Foundation entered into a working agreement through a historic signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the county government for a period of five years.

Terming the move a significant milestone in its operations, the Foundation’s Senior Director Dr. Calistus Wekesa, said the move is critical for them in advancing the fight against mental health that they have been working for close to five years.

“We have been working without a formal agreement. Today, we have officially inked our relationship for the people of Trans Nzoia. It is historic for us because we have also acquired a space through the goodwill of the county, where we can conduct our services to the people and welcome this new partnership to advance mental health,” Wekesa said.

During the signing, it was noted by Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member for Health Christopher Lorot, that the MOU marks a timely milestone for the county’s health sector, with plans underway to convert the former Kitale District Hospital into a mental health facility and drug rehabilitation centre.

“This partnership with Afya Care is a very timely event in the county’s health sector. It’s always been given priority, starting with the governor, a reason he is making the former Kitale Referral Hospital, specifically to deal with our people affected by mental health challenges and drug abuse. It is a mutual benefit for both of us. I believe that working together will be for the good of the people of Trans Nzoia,” Lorot commended.

Echoing the sentiments of Lorot, County Secretary Truphosa Amere, who witnessed the signing of the MOU, said the former referral hospital will be named Kitale Mental Health Referral Hospital, to address issues of mental health within the county and neighbouring counties.

“Matters mental health have always been our priorty as a government, and we shall be officially commissioning the hospital to deal with patients affected with mental health challenges, under services offered by Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital. This is a timely and noble partnership for us as the people of Trans Nzoia.

Amere noted that the challenges of mental health-related illness have been visible, and patients were being forced to travel miles to access services. Further, she also disclosed that the county has partnered with various individuals to ensure mental health services are accessible within Trans Nzoia.

“Our people have been travelling long distances to access this service. We have partnered with various organsiations like Eldoret University, KMTC, and now Afya Care Foundation for us to bring these services close to our people.

The County Secretary applauded the partnership with Afya Care Foundation, highlighting that its grassroots outreach across villages, workplaces, and community forums will give individuals facing mental health challenges direct access to professional support. She noted that by creating safe spaces for open conversations and raising awareness about mental health conditions, the initiative will promote early intervention and prevent cases from worsening to the point of requiring hospitalisation.

“Our partnership with Afya Care Foundation is ver important, us we are now reaching out to patients through their outreach in the community, have a talk with them before the situation escalates We are no longer waiting for them to appear in our hospitals,” she added.

Mental Health Statistics in Trans Nzoia

According to Amere, 1 out of 5 people in Trans Nzoia suffer from one form of mental health illness, according to the county report of 2019. In Kenya, 1 out of every 4 people suffers from a mental health-related condition, making it a critical illness to be centred by the community.

“Mental illness has evolved, it is not about waking around naked, we are sitting with people in offices but things are driving people to situaions leading to development of mental health conditions,” she explained.

Wekesa, echoing Amere’s sentiments, urged residents to recognise that mental health conditions are not curses but legitimate medical illnesses that can be treated and effectively managed. He emphasised that with proper care and support, individuals can continue to lead normal, productive, and fulfilling lives. He further encouraged the people of Trans Nzoia County to seek professional medical services and prioritise their mental well-being.

“Afya ya Akili sio laana. It is a medical condition that can be treated. I want to encourage our people to seek medical services to live a better life and put into focus the health of the mind,” he added.

Amere further commended the program’s outline by Afya Care Foundation in fighting mental-related illnesses, noting that mental health is a major crisis, and the county headquarters for Afya Care, which she noted will boost the county’s recognition in the journey of addressing mental health.

Afya Care Foundation

Based in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Afya Care Foundation is committed to improving mental well-being and tackling drug and substance abuse among Kenyan youths. Serving five counties: Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Bungoma, Busia, and Kakamega.

Additionally, the NGO focuses on prevention, raising awareness about the risks of drug abuse, and empowering young people to overcome addiction. Through its programs, Afya Care Foundation promotes healthy lifestyles and supports successful reintegration of affected youths into society.

Dr. Wekesa said the Foundation initially dealt with youths between ages 13-35, before extending its services to those upto 40 years, as are also affected by mental health challenges.