17th KPA Annual Scientific Conference

Contribution List

44. Registration

03/09/2025, 08:00

KPA Secretariat

45. EAYPTA

03/09/2025, 08:30

Eastern Africa Young Psychiatrists and Trainees Association
EAYPTA Secretariat

46. ECSAPsych College Meeting

03/09/2025, 08:30

East, Central, and Southern Africa College of Psychiatry (ECSAPSYCH).
Committee Leads

21. Project Tujiimize: A Community-Driven, Design Thinking–Informed Approach to Adolescent Cannabis Use Prevention in Kisumu County, Kenya

Benjamin Wafula (Uzima University)

03/09/2025, 11:30

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

Background:
Cannabis use among adolescents is a growing public health concern in low-resource settings, including Kisumu County, Kenya. Early initiation is often linked to peer pressure, media influence, and limited mental health education. Project Tujiimize was launched as a community-driven initiative to assess patterns of adolescent cannabis use and co-design locally appropriate,...

40. Evaluating the role of Chiromo Hospital Group's social media presence in enhancing technology and mental health innovations for community-based care

Gathoni mbugua (Chiromo Hospital Group)

03/09/2025, 11:45

Technology and Mental Health: Innovations for Community-Based Care

Oral Presentation

BACKGROUND
Recognizing the pervasive reach of social media, Chiromo Hospital Group, through the Digital Relations Department in 2018, embarked on a deliberate strategy to leverage these platforms to address the significant treatment gap for mental health services. The initiative’s primary focus was to promote mental health advocacy through social media and community-based interventions.
The...

3. Enhancing Psychosocial Wellbeing and ART Adherence: The Critical Role of Peer Navigators in Supporting Adolescents with HIV in Western Kenya

GLADYS ONTUGA (KENYA MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE)

03/09/2025, 12:00

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

Adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYAH)face intersecting psychosocial challenges that significantly impact their mental wellbeing and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite growing global emphasis on improving ART adherence, there is a notable gap in intergrating psychosocial wellbeing into HIV care particurlaly in resource-constrained settings like Kenya. Peer...

47. Question And Answer

03/09/2025, 12:15

Q&A by a moderator

49. Dr. Edith Kwoba Memorial Walk

03/09/2025, 14:00

Flagging off - Nawiri Walk
Keynote Address from the NEC and Guests, Dr. Florence Jaguga

34. POSITIVE DEPRESSION SCREEN AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC AT AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Michael Maina (Aga Khan)

04/09/2025, 09:00

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

ATTACHED

22. THE UNSEEN TOLL:THE PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION,BURNOUT AND PTSD AMONGST HUMANITARIAN AID WORKERS IN KAKUMA AND DADAAB REFUGEE CAMPS

Dr Brenda Ombane (Chiromo Hospital Group)

04/09/2025, 09:15

Trauma and Resilience in Conflict-Affected Communities

Oral Presentation

THE UNSEEN TOLL:THE PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION BURNOUT AND PTSD AMONGST HUMANITARIAN WORKERS IN KAKUMA AND DADAAB REFUGEE CAMPS.
BACKGROUND:
The 21st century has seen a dramatic increase in global humanitarian crises, doubling the number of people in need to 360 million in the last decade. This surge far outstrips available resources, placing immense pressure on humanitarian aid workers who...

32. Peer-Led Support Groups to Improve Depression, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem Among Teen and Single Mothers in Kisumu County, Kenya: A Longitudinal Multi-Site Study

Benjamin Wafula (Uzima University), Sarah Atieno Ouma (Tinada Youth Action Africa)

04/09/2025, 09:30

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

Background/Aims:
Teen and single mothers in Kenya face disproportionate mental health burdens, including elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Access to culturally responsive and sustainable support remains limited, particularly in resource-constrained settings. We evaluated the effectiveness of a peer-led support group intervention in reducing symptoms of depression...

42. Voices from the Frontline: Mental Health Realities of CHWs in Kenya’s Evolving Health System- Findings from a Qualitative Study

Ms Patricia Okoth (LVCT Health)

04/09/2025, 09:45

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

Background:
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are vital in bridging informal and formal health systems, enhancing access to underserved populations. Despite their essential roles, they often contend with heavy workloads, limited structured support, and inconsistent compensation. While existing research has focused on their responsibilities, few studies have examined their lived experiences,...

41. “Identity-as-Prevention”: A Community-Led Parenting Model for Early Mental Health Intervention in Kenya

Mr Benjamin Mutuku (Beracah Wellness Services)

04/09/2025, 10:00

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

In the 21st century, identity is no longer just a social concept—it is a psychological infrastructure. Children today face unprecedented challenges: digital overload, cultural disconnection, peer pressure, and performance-based validation. In Kenya, the 2021 Mental Health Taskforce Report revealed a surge in childhood emotional distress, often rooted in weakened self-concept, low self-worth,...

61. Question and Answer

04/09/2025, 10:15

Moderated by Dr. Irene Machua

50. The End of Poverty Mental Health: Designing needs-relevant evidence-based Community Mental Health Services

04/09/2025, 11:30

Prof. Atwoli Lukoye

51. Keynote address by Ms. Hyaline Morara

04/09/2025, 11:45

Oral Presentation

CEO ~ Kamili Organization

52. Question and Answer

04/09/2025, 12:15

Oral Presentation

Moderator

53. Opening ceremony by Dr. Phillip Kirwa

04/09/2025, 12:30

Oral Presentation

Chief Executive Officer of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)

54. Plenary session -Navigating the Labyrinth: Ethical and Legal Challenges in Contemporary Psychiatric Practice

04/09/2025, 14:00

Kevin Othero - Lawyer
Dr. Njuguna Simon - Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Sylvia Kemunto - Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Mercy Karanja - - Consultant Psychiatrist

55. Royal College of Psychiatrists

04/09/2025, 15:00

Prof Mohammed Al-Uzri

62. KPA AGM

04/09/2025, 16:00

Oral Presentation

KPA Members

60. Registration

05/09/2025, 08:30

KPA Secretariat

36. Piloting Community-Centric Employment and Housing Solutions for Long-Stay Mental Health Patients at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital

Milcah Olando (MATHARI NATIONAL TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL)

05/09/2025, 09:00

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

Background:
Abandonment and prolonged hospitalization of patients in mental health facilities is a significant yet under-researched issue in Kenya’s mental health system. At Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital—the largest mental health facility in the country—a considerable number of patients remain admitted for extended periods, not due to clinical need, but because of...

8. Before the Breakdown: Community-Driven Early Mental Health Support for Africans in Diaspora

Dr Charlene Gumbo (Chiromo Hospital Group), Zawadi Kimari

05/09/2025, 09:15

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

Before the Breakdown: Community-Driven Early Mental Health Support for Africans in Diaspora
Background
Humanity has been migrating for a wide range of reasons since antiquity. More than 200 million Africans have formed a community in the diaspora in pursuit of academic and professional advancements, services within international agencies or seeking humanitarian aid encounter a convergence...

63. Dr. Edith Kwobah Memorial Lecture

05/09/2025, 09:30

Prof. Atwoli Lukoye

30. Youth and School Mental Health Project: A Model for Strengthening Adolescent Mental Health Support in Kenyan Schools

Faith Njiriri (AMPATH)

05/09/2025, 09:45

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

Background: Adolescents in Kenya face increasing mental health challenges, including academic stress, peer pressure, and socio-economic hardship, compounded by stigma and low mental health literacy. This prevents early detection and timely intervention for mental health problems. To address this gap, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and AMPATH, through the Afya ya Akili Mashinani...

33. Pilot Project: Group-Based School Intervention for preventing and addressing Substance Use.

Mr Emmanuel Oloo (AMPATH Kenya)

05/09/2025, 10:00

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

Background:
Youth and adolescents who use alcohol and other drugs can experience negative consequences that usually cause adverse effects on their physical, psychological, and social functioning. Direct impacts include psychiatric morbidities, poor academic performance, and behavioral problems such as misconduct at home and in school, as well as engagement in risky behaviors like reckless...

24. Emerging trend of patient abandonment in an acute psychiatric ward, with a focus on community mental health as a possible solution

Dr Robina Momanyi (MTRH)

05/09/2025, 10:15

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

Background: Patient abandonment in psychiatric wards is concerning, especially in resource-limited settings where the mental health workforce and bed capacity is inadequate. This results in congestion at the wards due to an increased number of discharge in patients, patient abscondment after long stays, staff burnout due to increased workload and a strain on the hospital budget. Contributing...

2. Increasing access to Mental Health services by Capacity Building and Community Integration: Insights from Kilifi County, Kenya

Ann Tatu (Psychologist)

05/09/2025, 10:30

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Oral Presentation

Background
Kilifi county faces a growing mental health burden, with only 0.6% (12,000 cases) of its 1.7 million outpatient workload diagnosed with mental health conditions, clearly indicating significant under diagnosis. Mental health services in Kilifi County have long been limited by limited personnel, poverty, stigma, inadequate funding and political goodwill. To address this, a targeted...

56. Question and Answer

05/09/2025, 10:45

Moderator

57. Keynote Speaker by Dr. Frank Njenga

05/09/2025, 11:45

Oral Presentation

Chairman ~ Chiromo Group Hospital

58. ECSAPsych updates

05/09/2025, 12:15

Oral Presentation

Dr Priscilla Makau

59. Sponsor

05/09/2025, 12:30

Pharmaceutical

27. Addressing Alcohol Use among Clients on Opioid Substitution Therapy at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital: Innovations in Integrated Community Mental Health Care.

Dr Charles Waweru (Pharmacist), Stephen Oluoch (Counseling Psychologist)

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Poster Presentation

The Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) program at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital (MNTRH) is central to Kenya’s opioid dependence response. Clients, often facing stigma and social exclusion due to heroin or opioid use, receive methadone-based Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) and psychosocial support, leading to medical stabilization and community reintegration. However, rising...

14. Catalyzing Community-Based Mental Health Solutions: The Erasmus+ Exchange and Incubator Journey

Dr Rick Peter Fritz Wolthusen (McLean Hospital)

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Poster Presentation

Introduction
The Erasmus+ exchange program, implemented by On The Move e.V., fosters social innovation in mental health by equipping students and professionals from Kenya, Ghana, and Germany with the skills to design and implement community-based interventions. In collaboration with Maseno University and Uzima University, the program has engaged over 50 participants to date, providing...

25. Digital Device Access, Use Patterns, Preferences and Acceptability for Delivery of Mental Health Interventions: Insights from Young People in a Rural Kenyan Community Setting

Dr Moses Kachama Nyongesa (Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University - Kenya)

Technology and Mental Health: Innovations for Community-Based Care

Poster Presentation

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, a considerable proportion of young people experience an array of mental disorders but few seek facility-based care. Innovative approaches for increasing youth access to mental health support are needed to improve their mental wellbeing. We collected formative data from Kenyan youth in a rural community setting to inform future design of a digital mental...

13. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Early Detection of Depression in Community Mental Health Settings: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations in Kenya

Ms VALERIE WANJIRU (KENYATTA UNIVERSITY)

Technology and Mental Health: Innovations for Community-Based Care

Poster Presentation

Depression remains one of the most pressing mental health challenges globally, with a significant impact in low- and middle-income countries like Kenya. Limited access to trained mental health professionals, stigma, and underfunded systems hinder early detection and treatment. This paper explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to address these gaps in community mental health...

23. PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN RECEIVING ANTENATAL CARE IN LEVEL FOUR AND FIVE HOSPITALS IN NYANDARUA COUNTY, KENYA

Susan Nyambura Muchunu (Psychiatrist)

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Poster Presentation

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN RECEIVING ANTENATAL CARE IN LEVEL FOUR AND FIVE HOSPITALS IN NYANDARUA COUNTY, KENYA

Dr. Susan Nyambura Muchunu, MBChB, MMed Psych

Email: susanmuchunu@gmail.com

Background

Perinatal depression and anxiety represent significant public health challenges in low-resource settings such as...

39. Prevalence of common mental health disorders and associated factors among sexual and gender minority youth in Nairobi City County, Kenya.

STACY NJANI (University of Nairobi)

Community-Driven Prevention, Promotion and Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Poster Presentation

ABSTRACT
Depression is a leading mental health concern globally, particularly among disproportionately affected marginalized groups. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience elevated rates of mental health challenges, including anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders, compared to their heterosexual peers due to factors such as discrimination, stigma, and minority...

48. Sponsor

Pharmaceuticals