Mental health is one of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of student life in Kenya. For decades, the education system has focused almost entirely on academic performance, examinations and discipline, leaving learners’ emotional and psychological needs largely unattended. In today’s high-pressure environment, this neglect is no longer sustainable. Students urgently need mental health support in schools to thrive both academically and personally.
The pressure to succeed academically is intense. From the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in primary schools to the high-stakes KCSE in secondary schools for the last cohort of 8-4-4 system, learners are constantly judged by scores and rankings. While exams are important, the stress they create has contributed to rising levels of anxiety, burnout and depression among students. Many learners feel trapped in a system that values memorization over creativity and problem-solving, leaving them mentally exhausted before they even graduate.
The stigma surrounding mental health often prevents learners from speaking out for fear of being labelled weak or troubled.
Beyond academic pressure, social challenges affect students’ well-being. Peer pressure, bullying and unrealistic expectations from social media intensify anxiety. In boarding schools, homesickness and the need to navigate complex social hierarchies add another layer of stress. Without proper counselling and guidance, these challenges can escalate leading to severe emotional strain or self-harm.
Schools also struggle to identify students in need of support. Many lack trained counsellors for guidance and counselling departments, where they exist, they are often under-resourced or overstretched. Parents and guardians may not recognize early warning signs, leaving students vulnerable. This gap highlights the urgent need for structured mental health programs in schools.
Providing mental health support is compassionate and also practical. Research shows that students who receive counselling and emotional guidance perform better academically, develop stronger social skills and build resilience to handle life’s challenges. Early interventions, peer support programs and trained school counsellors equip learners with coping strategies that benefit them throughout life.
Mental health support in schools is essential. Kenya’s education system must evolve to recognize students’ emotional and psychological needs alongside academic development. By providing access to counselling, support programs and mental health awareness initiatives, schools can help students manage stress, develop resilience and unlock their full potential. Mental health is the foundation on which successful learning and thriving communities are built and it is time for schools to take it seriously.
