Executive Director ACCTI, Ms Florence Busiega and Eng. Edward Mburu posing with Staff from Amani Counseling Centre Training Institute
Kenyans have
been urged to break the silence surrounding mental health challenges, warning
that stigma, fear of judgement and the cost of professional care continue to
prevent many people from seeking help.
Amani Counseling Centre and Training
Institute (ACCTI) notes that individuals, families, students and employees may be struggling with
emotional and psychological distress without receiving the support they need.
The call
was made during the launch of the Amani Walk for Mental Wellness 2026 at the
institution’s headquarters along Raila Odinga Way in Nairobi on Friday.
The walk
is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary in
Nairobi, bringing together individuals, families and institutions to promote
open conversations about mental health and encourage early access to
professional support.
Speaking
during the launch, Amani Executive Director Florence Busiega said people
experiencing mental health challenges may continue with their daily
responsibilities while silently battling distress, making it difficult for
those around them to recognise their struggles.
“The
absence of a cry for help does not mean the absence of suffering,” Ms. Busiega
said.
She
noted that students facing academic pressure, employees dealing with personal
difficulties and families supporting loved ones need safe environments where
they can discuss mental health concerns without fear of shame or
discrimination.
Ms.
Busiega called for greater compassion, early intervention and accessible
professional support, particularly for people who hesitate to seek help because
of stigma, fear of judgement or financial constraints.
Beyond awareness
Amani
says the campaign seeks to turn mental health awareness into practical action
beyond commemorative events.
Held
under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” the
initiative aims to amplify the voices of people who have experienced mental
health challenges and encourage communities to respond with empathy rather than
judgement.
The
institution emphasised the need to create safe spaces where people can share
their experiences, be listened to and access appropriate care.
“A
person who is struggling should not have to become a statistic before we pay
attention,” Ms. Busiega said.
The
campaign calls on individuals and institutions to challenge stigma, listen
without judgement and take practical steps to support mental wellness in homes,
schools, workplaces and communities.
The
initiative follows World Mental Health Day, marked annually on October 10, and
seeks to sustain public engagement on mental health and the importance of
timely support.
The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental
health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make
mental health care a reality for people worldwide.