For many years, suicide and attempted suicide in the country have been treated as criminal acts, adding shame and fear to the pain experienced by those struggling with mental health. But that is beginning to change.
The National Assembly Wednesday 4, June took a significant step by reading the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill for the first time, a bill that, if passed, will remove the law that criminalizes suicide. The bill that is sponsored by Mathare Member of Parliament Antony Oluoch proposes change that aims to transform how the country views and responds to mental health crises.
Rather than punishment, the focus will shift toward compassion and care. Suicide attempts will be recognized as serious cries for help, requiring medical and psychological support not jail time.
Kenya’s move follows a global push championed by the United Nations and the World Health Organization to reduce suicide rates by a third by 2030. Around the world, many countries have already decriminalized suicide, recognizing that laws alone cannot stop someone in distress but support and understanding can save lives.
For families affected by mental health struggles, this bill offers hope. It signals a future where those battling suicidal thoughts can seek help without fear of legal consequences, and where society acknowledges mental health as a critical part of overall well-being.
While challenges remain, Kenya is now on a promising path toward a more humane, health-focused approach to mental health a change that could transform countless lives for the better.
