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Our History 

Founded in 2019 and legally registered in 2026, (Y4MH) emerged from a growing movement of young people determined to transform the conversation, systems, and realities surrounding youth mental health and wellbeing in Kenya.

Our journey began with the organization of the 2019 Mental Health Awareness Walk in Nairobi — one of the first large-scale youth-led mental health mobilizations in the country. The walk brought together approximately 2,000 young people, advocates, practitioners, artists, and community members to call for greater recognition of mental health as a national priority. This moment became a catalyst for sustained youth engagement in mental health advocacy and systems change in Kenya.


Over the years, Y4MH has actively contributed to national and local policy conversations, forums, and strategic documents focused on advancing mental health and wellbeing. Through youth participation, advocacy, and lived experience leadership, Y4MH members have contributed to conversations shaping mental health policies, action plans, and community-centered approaches that recognize young people not simply as beneficiaries, but as co-creators of solutions.

Between 2020 and 2025, Y4MH coordinated and supported a range of youth-led campaigns, dialogues, and initiatives focused on reimagining mental health and wellbeing through culture, creativity, technology, and community connection. These efforts included:

  • Advancing the intersection of art and mental health as a tool for healing, storytelling, and social connection

  • Exploring the power of digital platforms and innovation in expanding access to youth mental health support and awareness

  • Promoting peer-to-peer support approaches and youth-led safe spaces for collective wellbeing

  • Organizing conversations and campaigns that addressed stigma, belonging, identity, resilience, and social determinants of mental health

  • Supporting youth leadership and participation in local, national, and global mental health spaces

Our Mission 

To amplify youth voices, strengthen youth leadership, and support youth-led solutions that promote mental health through advocacy, awareness, peer support, learning, and partnerships.

Our Vision 

A Kenya where every young person can thrive mentally, feel valued, and live with dignity and purpose.

What Y4MH will focus on (2026–2028)

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1. Stronger youth voice & advocacy
We will support young people to speak up and influence mental health policies, funding, and decisions at national and county levels.
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2. Supporting youth-led organizations
We will provide training, mentorship, tools, and shared learning spaces to help youth-led groups do effective mental health work.
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3. Awareness & stigma reduction
We will lead creative campaigns using arts, theatre, storytelling, and digital platforms to normalize conversations on mental health.
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4. Research & knowledge sharing
We will support youth-led research, simplify mental health information, and build a shared knowledge and referral hub.
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5. Partnerships & resources
We will collaborate with government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to mobilize funding and support youth mental health work.
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6. Good governance & accountability
We will build a transparent, accountable secretariat and ensure youth participation in decision-making.

Member Organizations

  • Art & Flickers
  • Healing Invisible Wounds
  • Alpha Nuggets Foundation logo_20260419_025513_0000
  • integrative well being_20231130_205259_0000
  • Nzumari Logo
  • P4BL SOCIETY (P4K programme) 20260504_135233
  • YIELD logo PNG
  • WhatsApp Image 2026-06-02 at 11.36.13 AM

Contact us 

We are happy to hear from you please drop your message 

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