Kenya Moves to Reform Forensic Psychiatry with Joint Government Action
NAIROBI — A high-level meeting held at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital on Tuesday pushed for urgent reforms in Kenya’s forensic psychiatry system. Senior officials agreed that protecting the rights of mentally ill offenders requires more than treatment it demands a full overhaul of legal, healthcare, and correctional policies.
The gathering brought together top officials from the Ministry of Health, Attorney General’s Office, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and National Police Service. Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, who chaired the session, called for coordinated action to address the systemic problems.
“Forensic psychiatry cannot be addressed in isolation,” Dr. Beacco stated. “We must close the gaps between mental health care and legal processes to support full reintegration of patients into society.”
Dr. Beacco confirmed that all forensic psychiatry patients under state care will be enrolled in the Social Health Authority to ensure continued access to specialized treatment. She added that discussions are underway to introduce vocational training programs at Mathari Hospital using instructors from the Kenya Prisons Service.
The move is part of a broader plan to rehabilitate patients with criminal records while safeguarding their dignity and constitutional rights.
Since January, the department has submitted 133 evidence-based social assessment reports to courts and state agencies. These documents provide expert evaluations on patients’ mental condition, criminal responsibility, and capacity to stand trial. According to Dr. Beacco, the reports have improved judicial decision-making and allowed clinicians to design tailored recovery plans.
“These assessments are shaping treatment that fits both the medical needs of the patient and the justice system’s expectations,” she said.
Despite the recent progress, longstanding challenges remain. Mathari Hospital CEO Dr. Julius Ogeto said poor infrastructure, limited funds, and outdated legal frameworks have repeatedly delayed improvements.
He stressed that without targeted investment and policy reform, Kenya risks leaving some of its most vulnerable citizens behind. “Our ability to deliver care is only as strong as the support we get from the system,” Dr. Ogeto stated.
Stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged that success will depend on consistent collaboration among government departments, legal actors, and health experts. Plans are now in motion to formalize this cooperation into a structured framework with clear responsibilities.
The push for change follows increasing scrutiny on the state’s handling of mental health in the justice system, especially for accused persons with psychiatric conditions. The goal, according to Dr. Beacco, is not only to treat, but to rebuild lives.
“Let’s commit to lasting strategies that deliver justice and healing,” she said.
