Revealed: What is killing young Kenyan men in their prime years

Kenyan men in their prime years are succumbing to suicide at an alarming rate. In January 2024, 23-year-old James Mwangi from Gatundu South constituency took his own life during a New Year celebration. His stepfather spoke of the young man's cheerful demeanor and bright future. Yet, Mwangi was far from alone in this crisis. In Kenya, suicide is now one of the leading causes of death, with men dying at higher rates than women.

Data shows that four million young men died globally in 2024, compared to three million women. Suicide claims the lives of about 1,400 to 1,600 Kenyan men annually, with men three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Factors contributing to this epidemic include joblessness, drug abuse, and other pressures that lead to depression.

The government has taken notice of this growing crisis and launched initiatives to expand mental health services and reduce stigma. However, the country is woefully short of specialized mental health workers, leaving many young men struggling in silence.