A recent article in the Nairobi News has highlighted the mental health challenges faced by informal sector workers in Kenya. The article, titled “Breaking the Silence on Mental Health Challenges in Kenya’s Informal Sector,” highlights that lack of awareness, job security, and formal employment contracts are factors contributing to continuous exploitation and mental health struggles.
The informal sector is the largest source of employment in Kenya, providing over 80% of the workforce. However, informal sector workers often face precarious working conditions, low pay, and a lack of social protection.
These factors can lead to several mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Causes of Mental Health Challenges in Kenya
The article also looks into the causes of mental health challenges faced by informal sector workers in Kenya which include:
Informal employment arrangements
These arrangements mostly lack job security, social protection, or any other benefits that can contribute to mental well-being.
Job scarcity
The unavailability of jobs forces many workers to accept any job they find, regardless of the working conditions or how it affects their mental health.
Lack of awareness about mental health
As mentioned earlier, a lack of awareness can prevent workers from seeking help when they need it.
The rising cost of living
This financial pressure in Kenya can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
A legacy of enslavement
This “slave mentality” among many African workers makes them believe they have limited options and they perpetually fear the consequences of leaving their jobs.
The article calls for a multifaceted approach to address these issues. This includes increased access to mental health resources, such as counseling and support groups. It also calls for awareness campaigns to educate informal sector workers about mental health and how to seek help.
In addition, the article calls for reforms to improve working conditions in the informal sector. This includes measures to increase job security, improve wages, and provide social protection.
The mental health challenges faced by informal sector workers in Kenya are a serious issue that needs to be addressed. By taking a multifaceted approach, we can help to improve the mental health and well-being of these workers.
It’s also worth noting that these challenges faced by informal sector workers are not limited to Kenya. They are global problems that need to be addressed.