Survivors of sexual violence, mental health advocates, and civil society groups have called for more investment in mental health services, arguing many survivors are unable to get the support they need because of high costs, stigma, and a shortage of mental health professionals.
The calls were made during a mental health awareness walk and forum organized by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) in Dandora, Nairobi. The event marked Mental Health Awareness Month and focused on the link between sexual violence and mental health.
PHR Programme Officer Dorcas Gitonga revealed many survivors receive medical treatment after an assault but do not get mental health support.
“Healing is not only about treating physical injuries. Survivors also need support for trauma, anxiety, and depression,” she said.
Gitonga added that many people cannot afford counseling and psychiatric services, noting that outpatient mental health services are not fully covered under the Social Health Authority.
According to her, this leaves many survivors paying for care from their own pockets.
“Some public hospitals only have mental health specialists available once a week. Many people are left without support,” Dorcas said.
The event also gave survivors a platform to share their experiences. Beatrice Karuri spoke about the mental health challenges she faced after being shot during protests.
She told the audience that the incident left her with physical injuries and emotional pain, noting how friends also abandoned her after her ordeal.
Another survivor, identified as Eunice, shared her experience after a sexual assault by a police officer. She shared that the incident left her struggling with trauma and emotional distress after giving birth to a child from the assault. Instead of receiving support, she faced rejection from some family members.
I carried a lot of pain and anger,” Eunice said, revealing that counseling helped her begin her healing journey even after her parents told her to look for the child’s father.
PHR Program Officer Daniella Khajidi noted survivors continue to face barriers when seeking care, as some cannot afford treatment while others fear a lack of privacy in health facilities.
“Many survivors do not feel safe sharing their experiences in hospitals,” Khajidi said, insisting Kenya must invest more resources in mental health services.
She added that mental health remains one of the least funded areas in healthcare.
The report launched during the event identified stigma and lack of awareness as major barriers to care.
Florence Keya, a social worker at Maisha Girls Safe House, also noted that most girls at the shelter are survivors of sexual violence.
“Healing takes time. Every survivor moves at their own pace,” averred Florence.
Keya called on the government to hire more mental health professionals and increase funding for services.