NGAIRA: Introduce social training to tame depression and suicide

Suicide cases in the country are hitting the roof. Suicide leaves families in anguish and poverty. The World Population Review, in its 2018 survey, states that Kenya’s suicide rate is at least 6.5 cases per 100,000 people, a number that the World Health Organisation echoes.

In the recent suicide cases, one factor stands out. According to police reports, most of the people who take their lives are youths, a population expected to drive forward the wheels of the economy for national development.

According to media and police reports, at least 15 people have committed suicide since January 2019. But the most perplexing aspect is that of suicide cases among teenagers in homes and dormitories in school.

According to the survey released by the World Health Organisation in June, 2018, depression remains the leading cause of suicide. Other risk factors include unemployment, sexual abuse, strained relationships, financial difficulties and exposure to suicidal behaviour.

A recent case is of 12-year-old Calvine Alubokho in Kakamega County, who mysteriously committed suicide on March 3, leaving the family with unanswered questions as the Standard Seven pupil at Kakamega Primary School had shown no signs of depression, according to his mother.

On Friday, February 15, 2019, the Butere Girls’ School fraternity woke up to the shocking news of a Form Three student taking her life using a necktie. And on January 30 this year, the Daily Nation reported of a 14-year-old boy who was rescued while attempting to commit suicide in their house in Tana River.

The former pupil at Ama Primary School had scored 366 marks and to him, it was end of the road after an organisation that had pledged to sponsor him through secondary school backed out at the last minute.

On March 22, 28-year-old Millicent Mwiriki, in Meru County, took her life after being “dumped” by the father of her baby. Similar cases have been reported in many parts of the country.

The above illustrations paint a picture of a generation that can hardly handle frustrations. Whenever the world moves contrary to their expectations, they think that’s the end of the universe.

At this rate, there is need to train young people in the dynamics of life, including relationships and managing expectations. Every public institution should put in place a functioning counselling department. This would go a long way in eradicating suicide cases in Kenya.

Derick Ngaira – Nairobi