Realising Mental Health Inclusivity Within the Social Justice and Human Rights Discourse in Kenya

Authors

  • Sonia Glory Makena

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66563/db6m4b40

Abstract

Mental health has long been a relegated topic often marred with societal prejudice, misconceptions, and biases, with more focus being put on physical health. In many African countries, including Kenya, mental health issues have historically been given little or no recognition. This is primarily due to structural inequalities and barriers such as marginalization of vulnerable groups, limited awareness of mental health conditions, stigmatization, and systemic discrimination. This article seeks to ventilate on the intersectionality between mental health, human rights, and social justice and the imperative of promoting inclusivity within the three spheres.  Kenya’s mental health sector has also had a turbulent past, mainly ailing from systemic discrimination. The mental health sector has historically been significantly starved of resources, with only 0.01% of the national health budget being allocated to mental health care. Mental health greatly influences an individual’s overall health and social well-being; therefore the promotion of mental health inclusivity is not only a matter of ethical obligation but also a fundamental element of human rights and social justice. Over the years, mental health has significantly received recognition, with several African countries formulating mental health policies and action plans in line with the objectives set out in the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan. This article therefore seeks to probe into the evolving recognition of mental health and its importance in the realization of sustainable development. It further emphasizes the need to elevate mental health to the social justice and human rights spectrum to create a more inclusive society where mental health rights are protected, and people with mental health conditions are empowered to thrive.

Author Biography

  • Sonia Glory Makena

    Mental health has long been a relegated topic often marred with societal prejudice, misconceptions, and biases, with more focus being put on physical health. In many African countries, including Kenya, mental health issues have historically been given little or no recognition. This is primarily due to structural inequalities and barriers such as marginalization of vulnerable groups, limited awareness of mental health conditions, stigmatization, and systemic discrimination. This article seeks to ventilate on the intersectionality between mental health, human rights, and social justice and the imperative of promoting inclusivity within the three spheres.  Kenya’s mental health sector has also had a turbulent past, mainly ailing from systemic discrimination. The mental health sector has historically been significantly starved of resources, with only 0.01% of the national health budget being allocated to mental health care. Mental health greatly influences an individual’s overall health and social well-being; therefore the promotion of mental health inclusivity is not only a matter of ethical obligation but also a fundamental element of human rights and social justice. Over the years, mental health has significantly received recognition, with several African countries formulating mental health policies and action plans in line with the objectives set out in the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan. This article therefore seeks to probe into the evolving recognition of mental health and its importance in the realization of sustainable development. It further emphasizes the need to elevate mental health to the social justice and human rights spectrum to create a more inclusive society where mental health rights are protected, and people with mental health conditions are empowered to thrive.

References

Published

2025-11-03

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 3 (2023): RESEARCH FAIR 2023: ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Section

Articles

License

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