Prioritize on mental health as a way of managing stress among youths- activists tell county government

Youth Accountability and strategy team leader George Ndung'u facilitating a youth session at Pride Inn Hotel Haile Selassie Avenue PHOTO by Gaitano Ndalo 

BY PETER KOMBE

A section of activists in Mombasa County have asked the county government to prioritize on mental health as a way of managing stress among young people.

The activists say mental health and stress is becoming rampant among the youthful age.

According to the activists stress leads to frustrations in life, suicide and drug and substance abuse among other vices.

Speaking to the media in Mombasa on Thursday Dream Achievers Youth Organization sexual health and reproductive rights Gaitano Ndalo said there is need for the county government to invest more in mental health experts adding that they are inadequate.

The human rights activist called on a joint approach between state and non-state actors to ensure that there exists ample youth friendly facilities within the county.

He said, “Mental health and stress management are some of the components of this national guideline. It is a concern currently and should be addressed amicably,”

Youth Accountability and Strategy Network advocacy officer George Ndung’u expressed concern that only a few youths understand the existence of the National Guideline for the provision of youth friendly services.

“Very few young people know that this policy exist. Again the government should conduct a series of campaigns and tell Kenyans about this,” he noted.

He says there is a need for government to sensitize Kenyans on the availability of the guidelines.

 Activists keenly following through a session at Pride Inn Hotel in Mombasa. The two day conference was organised by DAYO in partnership with Youth Accountability and Strategy Network Photo by Gaitano Ndalo

Stretchers Youth Organization youth liaison officer Rebbeca Achieng wants the county government to offer full packages to youth in one place.

She argues that youth services should not only be friendly but also strategically placed to for ease access.

“What we want as youths is to get all our services in one place. We do not want to be referred to other places,” she explained.

According to her, the issue of referring a youth to another facility should not arise at any moment.

Meanwhile, Smiling Girls founder and director Keziah Oloo wants the county government to construct more youth friendly facilities saying they are not adequate.

“The county government should do something. There have been cases of teenage pregnancy in Mombasa County and therefore we need to join hands to address this menace,” she said.

She further notes that teenage pregnancy has in the recent past shot up calling on a collaborative effort in order to contain the situation.

The National Guideline on the Provision of Youth Friendly facilities seeks to address some of these challenges including health and promotion of adolescent rights among others.

Youths following through the session at the same venue photo (Courtesy)