01/06/2026
HEALTH CEC LEADS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WALK AT MOSORIOT TTC AS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH CONCLUDES
Dr. Angeline Kirui, County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation, on Sunday led a Mental Health Awareness Walk at Mosoriot Diploma Teachers Training College, marking the conclusion of Mental Health Month organised by the college’s Guidance and Counselling Department.
Themed “Promoting Mental Health Awareness, Reducing Stigma, Encouraging Early Intervention, and Strengthening Support Systems,” the walk drew students, college staff, county health officials and community members to spotlight the importance of mental well‑being among young people, particularly those aged 18–22.
In her address, Dr. Angeline reiterated Nandi County’s commitment to strengthening health services and urged students and residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access affordable mental health care provided by the county government. She also urged the public to be vigilant for changes in behaviour - such as withdrawal, mood swings or sudden declines in performance - which can signal emerging mental health problems, and to prioritise self‑care.
“Those who serve as mental health professionals must themselves be of sound mind to care effectively for others,” Dr. Kirui said, cautioning students against risk behaviours that can worsen mental and physical health, including early pregnancy and HIV infection. She encouraged proactive help‑seeking and participation in community mental health activities such as the walk.
Speakers used the occasion to explain mental health and its underlying causes using the widely accepted biopsychosocial model. They described mental health as a state of well‑being in which a person realises their potential, copes with normal life stresses and contributes productively to their community.
Dr. Katwa the County Psychiatrist, who spoke at the event, gave an overview of mental health, common causes, signs and symptoms, myths and misconceptions, and available management options. He emphasised that addressing mental illness requires a multifaceted approach at both individual and community levels.
Speakers highlighted steps to reduce barriers to care, including dismantling stigma and cultural expectations that deter people from seeking help, promoting open conversations, and encouraging participation in support groups. They stressed that psychiatric intervention is essential during mental health emergencies.
Beatrice Jebet, mental health officer at Mosoriot Sub‑County Hospital, pointed to broken or strained relationships as a frequent trigger of distress among students.
County Mental Health Coordinator Tiparo urged practical measures to protect cognitive health, including adequate sleep and periodic digital detoxes to preserve memory and emotional balance.
The college’s Guidance and Counselling Department, led by Counsellor Alice Songok Tenai - Coordinator, Assistant Head of Department and chair of the Association of Professional Guidance and Counselling Teachers, Kenya - organized the month‑long initiative. The counselling team includes 14 counsellors drawn from teaching staff, among them Counsellor Innocent Okello Owade, patron to the Peer Counsellors; Counsellor James Obiewa, in charge of Special Needs Teacher Educators; and Reverend Wesley Maritim, the college chaplain. Chief Principal Michael Lelit serves as the team’s patron.
Participants said the walk increased visibility for mental health conversations on campus and in the wider community, helping to reduce stigma and boost willingness to seek help. The Guidance and Counselling Department announced plans for ongoing outreach, peer counselling activities and closer collaboration with county health services to expand access to care for students and residents.
The event ended with renewed calls for sustained investment in mental health services, stronger support networks in college communities, and continued public education to help young people recognise symptoms early and obtain timely care.