The political economy of adolescent mental health in Kenya

Bibliographic Data

ID11490510
AuthorsAlbert Tele (0000-0002-7586-7819, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, corresponding author), Darius Nyamai (Department of Health Wellness and Nutrition , City Hall Annex, 3rd Floor, Room 305, Nairobi City County), Yusra Ribhi Shawar (0000-0002-9539-0341, Johns Hopkins University), Vincent Nyongesa (University of Nairobi), Samuel Kiogora (Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, George Campbell Building West Wing, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000), Stefan Peterson (0000-0001-7203-3096, Karolinska Institutet), Stefan Swartling Peterson (Karolinska Institutet), Georgina Obonyo (Tabasamu Café Nairobi , Muhoho Avenue, South C, Nairobi), Pim Cuijpers (0000-0001-5497-2743, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), Manasi Kumar (0000-0002-9773-8014, NYU Grossman School of Medicine)
Year2025
Volume40
Issue10
Pages1017-1026
Publication date2025-11-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Policy and Planning (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0268-1080 • E-ISSN: 1460-2237
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/heapol/czaf057
PMID40879760
OpenAlexW4413815129
LanguageEN
References cited47

Adolescent mental health remains a critical yet under-prioritized issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Kenya, where resource limitations, stigma, and systemic barriers hinder access to care. While policies and strategies such as Kenya's Mental Health Action Plan (2021–2025) exist on paper, their implementation is constrained by limited resources and a weak mental health service delivery infrastructure. This qualitative descriptive study examines the perspectives of mental health actors and youth advocates on the development and implementation of adolescent mental health policy in Kenya. Using a political economy analysis, we conducted 15 key informant interviews (KIIs) and analyzed observational field notes from a Google Jam board exercise to explore factors that enable or impede the prioritization of adolescent mental health policy and care. Thematic analysis was guided by Shiffman and Smith's policy framework, focusing on four domains: actor power, ideas, political context, and issue characteristics. Findings reveal significant barriers, including the exclusion of adolescents from decision-making, limited family involvement, weak policy formulation, and the destabilizing effects of government transitions. Stigma, poverty, and chronic underfunding further hinder progress, despite ongoing strategic efforts. Comparisons with other LMICs indicate that these challenges are widespread, underscoring the need for localized, inclusive, and well-coordinated approaches. Addressing these issues will require strong political commitment, increased youth-led advocacy, and sustained investment in mental health services. By prioritizing adolescent mental health, Kenya can move toward a more equitable and effective mental health system that supports the wellbeing of its youth

Business · Economic growth · Economics · Government (linguistics) · Health care · Mental health · Political science · Poverty · Psychiatry · Public relations · Qualitative research · Service (business) · Service delivery framework · Sociology · Stigma (botany) · Thematic analysis · Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Medicine · Health Policy