A medical student at the University of Nairobi (UoN) has been found dead in a suspected suicide.

The fifth-year medical student is reported to have died by suicide. 

His lifeless body was found in the main hall dormitory long after he died on September 2, 2024, at night.

The body of the student identified as Collins Kiprop Kosgei, 29, was found covered with nylon paper.

The nylon sheet was found to contain a small gas cylinder tied around his neck with a shoelace. He was alone at the time of the incident.

His colleagues discovered the body and alerted security.

No suicide note was found at the scene and no motive has been established. 

The body has been taken to the mortuary pending autopsy and other investigations.

Kilimani police chief Ben Kobia said they were yet to establish the motive behind the tragedy.

He added that police were investigating the incident. 

"It is just tragic and a team is investigating," he said.

The incident highlights the alarming rate at which suicide cases among young people have increased.

According to the Kenya Mental Health Policy 2015-2030, suicide is the second leading cause of non-communicable deaths after road traffic accidents.

The data show that youths aged 15-24 are at higher risk of suicide, with females accounting for a higher percentage of reported cases.

The report advocated for sensitisation around mental health among the youth, opening to people you trust and also promoting suicide helplines whereby those in distress can engage trained professionals.

Counsellors, medics, and psychologists recommend seeking help whenever you experience any mental health issue. 

Call the Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.