Lamu county stakeholders call for mental health initiatives in CIDP

Lamu County stakeholders are calling on the government to prioritise mental health and drug abuse initiatives in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), citing growing concerns over the rising rates of these issues in the region.  

The call was made during a stakeholders' forum held on Tuesday, which brought together local government officials, mental health experts, community leaders, and representatives from civil society organisations.

The forum aimed to address the urgent need for comprehensive mental health strategies in Lamu, where drug abuse is increasingly seen as both a cause and effect of mental health challenges.

"Mental health is a crucial yet under-addressed issue in Lamu County. A collaborative approach can foster positive change and create lasting solutions to the challenges our communities face," said Amina Mohammed, a mental health expert.  

Drug abuse, which has been on the rise, was highlighted as a significant contributor to the escalating mental health crisis.

Participants acknowledged that many residents, particularly the youths, are turning to substances as a coping mechanism for various social and economic pressures, worsening existing mental health issues.

Experts at the forum emphasized that without targeted interventions, the situation could worsen.

"We are seeing an alarming increase in drug use, and the impact on mental health is undeniable. There are many individuals who need help but don’t know where to turn, and this is where government action becomes critical," said Mary Njiru, a local in Lamu.

The forum participants stressed that improving mental health services in Lamu requires more than just awareness campaigns.

They argued that the integration of mental health support into the CIDP could help ensure sustainable funding and better coordination between government agencies, health providers, and community organizations.  

"Lamu County needs to view mental health not just as a medical issue, but as a social and economic one.When mental health is neglected, the effects ripple through the entire community—affecting productivity, family structures, and even public safety," said Dr Jamal Ali, a local psychiatrist.

The stakeholders underscored the importance of increasing access to mental health care, especially in remote areas of the county, where services are limited. They suggested that mobile mental health units and increased training for local healthcare providers could help address the gap in services.

The meeting called for a unified approach to tackling both drug abuse and mental health issues.

The stakeholders urged the County Government of Lamu to take the necessary steps to incorporate mental health initiatives into the CIDP, ensuring that support services are available for those who need them most.

"This is not just a health issue, it is a development issue," said one of the forum's key speakers.

Adding that only through collaborative efforts they create meaningful change and improve the quality of life for everyone in Lamu County.

As the forum wrapped up, there was a renewed sense of urgency among participants to move from discussion to action, with a clear message that mental health should no longer be sidelined in Lamu's development agenda.