Stowelink Foundation is proud to announce that our Mental Health Lead, Naila Chebet Koech, recently participated in the prestigious Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Training, held at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Nairobi.

This intensive two-week training, organized by Africa CDC in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Kenya, KMTC and the University of British Columbia (UBC), brought together mental health leaders, practitioners and advocates from across the continent to strengthen the capacity for mental health leadership and systems reform.

A Powerful Start: Highlights from Day One and Two
The training began with a warm welcome from dignitaries representing Africa CDC, KMTC, UBC, and Kenya’s Ministry of Health.

Participants engaged in a range of foundational sessions, including:

• An insightful introduction to the concepts of mental health and wellbeing by Prof. Lukoye Atwoli

• A powerful address on the importance of leadership and investment in mental health systems by Dr. Nyawira Mwangi, Deputy Director of Academics at KMTC

• A regional perspective on shared responsibility in mental health from Dr. Judith Kose-Otieno of Africa CDC

• A compelling call for real-time mental health surveillance and engagement by Dr. Mohammed Abdulaziz, Head of Disease Control and Prevention at Africa CDC

KMTC CEO, Dr. Kelly Oluoch, walked participants through KMTC’s history and its renewed focus on integrating mental health into education across all campuses. Meanwhile, a representative from the Ministry of Health revealed that mental health accounts for 13% of Kenya’s disease burden, costing an estimated KES 62 billion annually — a sobering reminder of the urgency of this work.

Learning from Leading Voices in Mental Health
During the training, Naila had the privilege of learning from some of the continent’s most respected mental health experts. One of the most impactful sessions was led by Dr. Mercy Karanja, Director at the Division of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, and the first-ever female President of the Kenya Psychiatrist Association.

Dr. Karanja led Module 8: Fundamental Concepts of Leadership in Mental Health, sharing her personal leadership journey and offering timeless lessons. Naila also reconnected with Dr. Nasri Omar, Global Mental Health Specialist at the Ministry of Health, who delivered an enlightening session on healthcare economics and mental health financing.

Interactive Learning and Cultural Competence
The training incorporated a unique blend of theory and practice, including:

• Expert lectures from seasoned professionals

• Interactive group sessions with postgraduate students from KMTC and UBC

• Hospital visits to explore real-world mental health applications

• Group presentations highlighting collaborative research and innovation

Participants were introduced to inclusive practices such as art therapy, healing circles and somatic practices in therapy. These approaches reinforced the importance of person-centered, diverse care strategies that meet people where they are.

Looking Ahead: A Renewed Commitment
At the closing ceremony, participants were encouraged to continue advocating for mental health in their communities. A standout message from Dr. Mazyanga Lucy Mazaba, Regional Director of EA RCC at Africa CDC, captured the spirit of the training:

“While not everyone has mental health issues, no one is immune to mental health challenges.”

Stowelink’s Vision: Mental Health for All
Stowelink Foundation remains committed to mental health advocacy, awareness and integration. Through our programs, campaigns and partnerships, we strive to create a world where mental health is prioritized, stigma is reduced and accessible care is available for all.

We celebrate our Mental Health Lead, Naila Chebet Koech, for her dedication and leadership and for continuing to drive forward our mission of equitable, community-driven mental health systems across Africa.

Mental health is everyone’s business and the time to act is now!