Are Suicide Rates Increasing Among Teens in Kenya?

Have you ever wondered about the silent struggle many teens face? Suicide among young people in Kenya is a growing concern that touches more lives than you might think. It’s a topic that’s often whispered about but rarely discussed openly. Yet, understanding it could save a life—maybe a teen you know or even your own. 

You might be surprised to learn how daily scrolling habits on social media or how family history could be a factor in suicide ideation and attempts. The impact of losing someone to suicide affects families and communities, leaving deep scars. But there’s hope. Various counselling services in Kenya have helped many teenagers recover from depression and other worrying mental health conditions that lead to suicide. Let’s dive into this important issue and see how you can make a difference.

Statistics on Teen Suicide 

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people worldwide, and the numbers are staggering. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around 700,000 people die by suicide annually, with many more attempting it (20 attempts for every suicide completed). In 2019, suicide ranked as the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally, indicating a global crisis.

Africa is not exempt from this growing concern. While comprehensive data across the continent is limited, studies suggest that suicide rates among African youth are rising. The WHO notes that the African region had a suicide rate of 11.2 per 100,000 people in 2019—higher than the global average of 9.0 per 100,000.

In Kenya, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact statistics on teen suicide due to the stigma and underreporting of mental health issues. A 2020 study published in the BMC Psychiatry journal estimated the overall suicide rate in Kenya at 6.1 per 100,000, with young people being especially at risk. According to the Ministry of Health, there’s been a noticeable increase in suicide cases among Kenyan youth, with some estimates suggesting up to 10% of teens have considered suicide.

While these numbers are alarming, they likely don’t capture the full extent of the issue. Many suicide attempts go unreported, and stigma often leads to deaths being classified as accidents or other causes. What’s clear, though, is that the trend is rising, and it calls for immediate action.

Risk Factors for Teen Suicide in Kenya

Teen suicide is a complex issue, and in Kenya, specific factors make teens more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Recognizing these risk factors is essential for preventing such tragedies:

• Poverty and economic stress: Many Kenyan teens face financial hardships that can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
• Academic pressure: The highly competitive education system in Kenya can create intense stress for students, particularly around national exams.
• Family issues: Domestic violence, parental neglect, or family conflicts can significantly impact a teen’s mental health.
• Substance abuse: Drug and alcohol use, which is increasing among Kenyan youth, can exacerbate mental health issues and impulsive behaviors.
• Cultural stigma around mental health: The reluctance to talk about or seek help for mental health issues can leave many teens feeling isolated.
• Trauma and abuse: Experiences of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can have long-lasting impacts on a teen’s mental well-being.
• Peer pressure and bullying: Social dynamics, including cyberbullying, can contribute to feelings of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts.
• Chronic Illness or disability: Teens dealing with long-term health issues, such as epilepsy, may be at higher risk for depression and suicidal ideation.
• Inadequate access to mental health services: Limited availability of mental health practitioners and resources, especially in rural areas, can leave issues untreated.

Each of these factors can contribute to a teen’s vulnerability to suicidal thoughts or actions. Often, it’s a combination of several factors that leads to a crisis point. Recognizing these risk factors is the initial step in providing support and intervention for at-risk teens in Kenya. You can encourage a teen to visit one of the many counselling centres in Nairobi or call a suicide hotline number (0900 620 800-Niskize or 0800 723 253-Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation)

Learn More: Why Childhood Trauma Could be Causing Your Psychological Struggles

Social Media Impact on Teen Mental Health and Suicide Rates in Kenya

In Kenya, as in the rest of the world, social media is a huge part of teen life. While it offers a space for connection and expression, it also brings challenges that can impact mental health and, in some situations, lead to suicidal thoughts.

The link between social media and increasing teen suicide is challenging to deal with for parents. On the one hand, social platforms can provide valuable support networks and access to mental health resources. On the other hand, they can expose teens to harmful influences. The following table shows how social media can impact mental health negatively, leading to suicidal ideation or attempts. 

While social media doesn’t cause suicide, it can worsen mental health issues, especially for vulnerable teens. In Kenya, where mental health awareness is still developing, this impact is significant. Education about responsible social media use is essential for reducing these risks.

Can Suicide Run in Families?

The idea that suicide can run in families is both complicated and crucial to understand. While research shows that there is a hereditary component to suicide risk, this doesn’t mean that it’s unavoidable for those with a family history.

Studies show that people with a family history of suicide are at higher risk. For example, individuals who lose a parent to suicide are three times more likely to die by suicide themselves. Genetics do play a role, but what’s inherited is a vulnerability to conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia—conditions that increase the risk of suicide. Shared environmental factors like exposure to trauma, substance abuse, or family stressors also contribute.

What Can Suicide Do To a Family?

When a teen dies by suicide, the family is left to cope with a devastating and unique form of grief. The emotional aftermath is often filled with guilt, shame, and anger, making it different from other types of loss. Parents might feel overwhelming guilt, questioning whether they could have done more. Siblings might feel grief mixed with guilt or anger. Family routines are disrupted, and it can feel like the family structure has broken down.

Socially, the family might face isolation, as friends and community members might not know how to offer support. The stigma surrounding suicide can make these interactions even more difficult, leaving the family feeling alone in their grief. Suicide’s impact on families often lasts a lifetime, but with support, whether through therapy, support groups, or counselling, healing is possible. 

Can Suicide Be Prevented?

Suicide prevention is possible, and many teen suicides can be avoided with the right interventions. Understanding the causes and addressing them can reduce the risk.

Preventing suicide requires action on multiple levels—individual, family, school, and community. When you create an environment where teens feel valued, understood, and supported, you can help prevent these tragedies.

Interventions and Support Systems Available for Kenyan Teens

Kenya is making efforts to tackle teen suicide, though much remains to be done. Several resources are available to help at-risk teens:

• Counselling Services: Schools and community centers offer mental health support and private psychologists who provide counselling services in Kenya and beyond.
• Hotlines: Services like Befrienders Kenya provide 24/7 support, and Mental Health 360 offers mental health information and referrals. Call these suicide helpline numbers for assistance: +254722178177 (Befriender) and 1190 (one2one).
• Youth Organizations: Mental Health Kenya and StrongMinds Kenya run campaigns and offer group therapy.
• Government Initiatives: National Mental Health Policy and School Health Policy focus on improving mental health care.
• Faith-Based Support: Churches and mosques often offer counseling services. Reach out to one near you for more information.
• Online Resources: Platforms like My Mind My Funk offer digital mental health tools.
• Substance Abuse Programs: NACADA runs rehab and prevention programs to help teens recover and reduce new cases of drug use.

While these services are available, access remains a challenge, especially in rural areas. More efforts are needed to expand mental health services and raise awareness across Kenya.

We are Here to Help

At Clarity Counseling and Training Centre, we understand the unique challenges teens face and the impact these struggles have on their families. Whether it’s dealing with emotional distress, navigating mental health issues, or seeking guidance on tough life decisions, we are here to offer professional counselling services in Kenya to support them through the journey that is life. 

Our competent counselling team in Kenya  is committed to creating a safe, understanding environment where teens and their loved ones can access the help they need. You or your loved one don’t have to face these challenges alone—Contact us today, and let us walk with you on the path to healing and recovery.