YEAR IN REVIEW
Kenya ’ s End-Year Review
By Walter Nyabundi
As 2022 draws to a close , it behooves us to reflect on what has been another tough year for the country , albeit with a few bright spots that may bode well for its citizens .
# 1 : Covid-19
The virus is still with us , and we have seen a slight surge in infections in the last few months . Thankfully , cases of serious illness and death resulting from the virus have been few . According to the Ministry of Health , about 20 % of adult Kenyans have been fully vaccinated against the virus , while just under 30 % have had at least one dose of the vaccine .
# 2 : Mental Health
The recently enacted Mental Health Act provides that all persons with mental illness have the right to access medical insurance for their treatment from public or private health providers . The main challenges to accessing mental health care in Kenya are poor diagnosis and lack of service provision . Indeed , it is estimated the country only has 100 psychiatrists . Due to their training in identifying and curing mental health illnesses , psychiatrists are the ones who are best placed to run treatment and rehabilitation centres for those with mental illnesses .
However , what is often overlooked in our mental health care structure is the value of psychology . The few psychologists we have are largely either unemployed or underemployed , with many of them simply volunteering their time and skills . In practical terms , if we were to increase the number of psychologists in the country and equally place a premium value on their trade , it could go a long way in preventing mental illness . Hopefully , these issues will be addressed as we continue to implement the Mental Health Act .
# 3 : The High Cost of Living
The price of basic goods has continued to increase . Two-thirds of Kenyans are
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While the government now appears to have taken the necessary steps to address the spike in crime , it is important to appreciate that unless the macroeconomic issues of unemployment and cost of living are properly addressed , a complete breakdown of law and order is not beyond the realm of possibility . now living in poverty . The situation has been exacerbated by the Government ’ s decision to remove subsidies on fuel and consumables . These are extremely difficult times for many households .
# 4 : Drought and Food Insecurity
Kenya is experiencing its worst drought in 40 years . The government has thus far allocated Ksh . 2 billion for the purchase of relief food to cushion the more than 4 million people affected by severe drought in many parts of the country . It is also working with development partners to raise a further Ksh . 10 billion to address the crisis .
# 5 : Violent Crime and Insecurity
As I write this , there has been a dramatic increase in violent criminal behavior and acts of lawlessness across the country - particularly in Nairobi - in the last few weeks . While the government now appears to have taken the necessary steps to address the spike in crime , it is important to appreciate that unless the macroeconomic issues of unemployment and cost of living are properly addressed , a complete breakdown of law and order is not beyond the realm of possibility .
# 6 : Politics
On the 9th of August , Kenyans went to the polls to elect their representatives for the next five years . In an election that was notable for its extremely low voter
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