Story by Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ian Obadha
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) today joined the world in marking World Mental Health Day under the global theme “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
The event brought together survivors of mental health conditions, caregivers, healthcare workers, first responders, and key partners, all united in their resolve to promote compassion, resilience, and accessible care for all.
The celebrations crowned a weeklong series of activities that began on October 6th. These included trauma recovery sessions with Naki Trauma Support, training for first responders and healthcare workers, and a community outreach at Kondele Market that took mental health conversations to the people. The activities culminated today with speeches, music, cake cutting, and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, held not only to mark the day but also to celebrate World Mazingira Day, reaffirming the connection between a healthy mind and a healthy environment.
The chief guest, Dr. Fredrick Oluoch, County Director of Public Health and Sanitation, emphasized that access to mental health services should not only be prioritized during crises but at all times. He lauded the committee for organizing the event and appreciated the hospital’s administration and partners for championing mental wellness. “We need to recognize that trauma from emergencies affects both healthcare workers and first responders,” he said, citing studies that show 36% of healthcare workers in Kisumu County experience mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Oluoch also highlighted the county’s investment in Health and Wellness Centres, where individuals can access services ranging from counselling and health education to rehabilitation and methadone-assisted therapy. “There is no health without mental health,” he reminded the audience. “Even stress and anxiety are illnesses that deserve care and understanding.”
Ms. Emma Atieno Okello, an aspiring Woman Representative for Kisumu, shared her personal motivation to advocate for mental health services, drawing from her sister’s battle with depression. She pledged to champion policies that increase access to mental health care if given the opportunity to serve.
Loice Omondi, a mental health champion and survivor, gave a moving testimony on the journey from survival to transformation. “Mental health is not just a medical issue,” she said. “It is a human issue that affects everyone. If you are not infected, you are affected.”
Representing the National Police Service, Deputy Regional Commander Wilberforce Sicharani acknowledged the growing burden of mental health challenges among officers, noting cases of burnout, substance abuse, and distress linked to duty pressures. “We are part of this community, and we face the same struggles,” he said. “That is why we value this partnership with JOOTRH and the support extended to our officers.”
Police psychologist Milton Kennedy urged participants to embrace empathy, resilience, and self-awareness, reminding them that mental health issues affect everyone, regardless of profession or status. “You can’t always tell what your neighbour is going through,” he said. “But every challenge we face shapes who we are. Let’s not run away from mental health; let’s confront it together.”
Standing in for CEO, Senior Director of Finance and Administration Evans Oloo commended the mental health committee led by Millicent Misore for steering the week’s successful events. He
recognized the support of partners including the Red Cross, PLAN International, TINADA, St. John Ambulance, Firefighters, CIHEB, among others, for their ongoing collaboration in mental health promotion.
Through awareness, empathy, and access to care, Kisumu continues to build a more resilient and compassionate community where healing and hope thrive side by side.
