Healthcare providers in Kenya have praised the government’s groundbreaking decision to decriminalize attempted suicide, viewing it as a transformative change in the nation’s mental health landscape. This move, which has been advocated for by mental health professionals and civil society groups for a long time, shifts the focus of suicide prevention from punishment to care and rehabilitation.
Dr. Boniface Chitayi, a consultant psychiatrist and lecturer at Kenyatta University Medical School, described the ruling as a significant moment during a press briefing at the 15th Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Annual Scientific and Health Conference in Nairobi. “This is a game-changer in how we approach mental health care in Kenya. It recognizes that suicide attempts are often signs of underlying psychological distress rather than acts of criminal intent,” he stated.
For many years, Kenya’s Penal Code treated attempted suicide as a criminal offense, subjecting survivors to imprisonment or fines. This punitive stance discouraged individuals from seeking help, worsening mental health issues and perpetuating stigma surrounding suicide and depression.
The decision aligns Kenya with global best practices, as countries like the UK, Canada, and New Zealand have long decriminalized suicide attempts, focusing on rehabilitation instead of punishment. This change also reflects a wider trend in Africa, with countries such as Ghana and South Africa implementing similar reforms.
Dr. Simon Njuguna, Director of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the ruling opens the door for more effective suicide prevention strategies, including better access to counseling, crisis intervention services, and public awareness campaigns. “By viewing suicide as a public health issue rather than a criminal act, we can encourage those facing mental health challenges to seek help without fear,” he remarked.
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Kenya Psychiatric Association (KPA) have also commended the decision, urging the government to increase investment in mental health services.
