Central Kenya Men Leading in Suicide as World Marks Prevention Day

The World today marks the World Suicide Prevention Day; exactly two months since a woman in Thome estate, Nairobi, murdered her husband and two children on July 10^th, a clear sign that Kenya is crawling on matters regarding mental health.

In Central Kenya, damning data reveals a rise in suicidal deaths, a factor that has been attributed to alcoholism, unemployment and poverty.

Kirinyaga County records one suicidal death every day while Murang’a County is hard hit with four suicidal deaths each day.

The Hard Hit Murang’a County

Suicidal deaths in Murang’a County are worrying and a clear cause of concern as the County buries four people at the very least who take their own lives.

Going by previous challenges Murang’a County has had to contend with, alcoholism has been blamed for the huge number of suicidal deaths as cases of family conflict grow.

Often, youths who kill themselves in Murang’a County jump into river Mathioya or River Maragua which are known to be dangerously deep and has been viewed as a death trap by the locals.

Murang’a County leaders in their efforts to curb the mental health problem have engaged authorities in recent past to clear off illicit drinking dens while creating awareness on the risks of excessive alcohol.

Nyeri County

Nyeri County experiences four suicidal deaths everyday which brings the number to 120 deaths every month.

Nyeri suicidal cases have attributed to unemployment, alcohol addiction, poverty and family conflict.

Most of the suicides in Nyeri County are either by hanging, taking of poison or drowning in dams.

Men in Central Kenya Lead in Suicidal Deaths

Men in Central Kenya face are at a disadvantaged position as illicit brew dens become readily available and the only solution availed to drown their sorrows as after years of schooling, employment evades them.

Tasked with the responsibility of providing as men in an environment where the girl child is most empowered, these men fall into depression which results into suicide if not cured.

Domestic violence in Central Kenya has also been reported on numerous occasions where men find themselves on the receiving end and are stigmatized, denying them help which leads to depression and finally suicide if not treated.

As the World marks the World Suicide Prevention day, suicidal deaths in Kenya are alarmingly high yet it is a condition that can be cured. Be your sister and brother’s keeper, there is nothing embarrassing about mental health. Seek treatment.