Uasin Gishu County joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Mental Health Day 2025 under the theme “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” reaffirming its commitment to strengthening mental health care and resilience across the region.

Speaking during the county’s official celebrations, Deputy Governor H.E. Evans Kapkea, representing H.E. Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, underscored the county’s dedication to making mental health an integral part of emergency response and recovery programs particularly during periods of drought, disease outbreaks, and displacement.

“No one should be left behind — even in times of crisis,” read Governor Bii’s message delivered by Hon. Kapkea. “Mental health is not a privilege; it is a human right.”

Governor Dr. Bii highlighted several strides made by his administration to expand access to mental health care. These include the establishment of the County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Centre at Moiben Sub-County Hospital, with plans to replicate similar facilities across all sub-counties.

Other key initiatives include integrating mental health services into primary health care, implementing school-based mental health screening programs, and empowering Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to identify and refer early signs of psychological distress.

DG Kapkea further noted that the county has deployed psychologists, counsellors, and social workers across various health facilities, while also strengthening the Counselling Unit at the County Service Centre to support employees experiencing emotional challenges. Additionally, the Disaster Management Unit now operates a dedicated call centre offering psychological support during emergencies.

“Just this month alone, we reached 843 county staff through workplace mental health programs,” the Governor’s statement read, commending the tireless efforts of health workers and development partners.

The Deputy Governor also presented data showing fluctuating mental health trends across the county from 4,775 cases in 2022 to 4,019 in 2025. According to Dr. Bii, these figures reflect both the complexity of mental health challenges and variations in access to care and reporting.

Sub-county data indicated that Ainabkoi recorded the highest number of cases, remaining a top priority for intervention. Kesses and Moiben reported gradual increases, possibly due to heightened awareness, while Kapseret, Soy, and Turbo recorded slight declines, which may suggest improved outreach or reporting practices.

“Our response must remain data-driven, inclusive, and adaptive,” Governor Bii emphasized. “We are strengthening our data systems and prioritizing high-burden areas for targeted interventions.”

County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Joseph Lagat, noted that individuals registered under the Social Health Authority can access mental health services at the Moiben Rehabilitation Centre at no cost. He added that those diagnosed with mental health conditions will continue to receive ongoing support.

County Assembly leaders, including Deputy Speaker Hon. Sarah Malel and Majority Leader Hon. Julius Sang, echoed the Governor’s message, pledging legislative backing for mental health programs.

“We are committed to ensuring our staff remain mentally and physically fit because prevention is better than cure,” said Hon. Malel, proposing the installation of gym facilities for county staff.

Hon. Sang added, “Mental wellbeing is key. As an Assembly, we stand with the Executive in ensuring mental stability across Uasin Gishu.”

Chief Officer for Promotive and Preventive Health, Dr. Paul Wangwe, announced that the county’s three-month rehabilitation program has already transformed many lives, with plans underway to open another centre at Kamalel.

Two beneficiaries of the Moiben Rehabilitation Centre, Dickson and Denis, shared heartfelt testimonies, expressing gratitude to the Governor and county health teams for restoring their hope and purpose.