Kenyan youth have been recognized for their impressive mental resilience, ranking among the world’s strongest despite global trends indicating declining mental health among young people. A recent study has found that young adults in Kenya and other African nations are outperforming their peers in high-income countries, where youth mental well-being has seen a significant decline in recent years.
According to the Mental State of the World 2024 Report by Sapien Labs, Kenyan young adults scored between 50 and 60 on the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) scale, placing them well ahead of their counterparts in many Western nations. The study, which analyzed data from over one million individuals across 76 countries, highlights a stark contrast in mental health trends between different regions. While youth mental well-being in high-income nations has steadily deteriorated since 2019, African countries such as Tanzania, Nigeria, and Kenya have reported significantly better mental health scores.
Despite this encouraging data, the report underscores a global generational gap, with older individuals generally exhibiting better mental health than younger adults. In Kenya, older adults recorded MHQ scores between 100 and 110, demonstrating a far greater level of mental well-being compared to the younger population. This trend is not unique to Kenya; across the world, younger generations are struggling with mental distress at much higher rates than their older counterparts. South African youth, for instance, scored between 30 and 40 on the MHQ scale, placing them closer to the struggling youth populations of the UK, Ukraine, and New Zealand.
Unlike studies that focus solely on anxiety or depression, the MHQ assesses multiple aspects of mental health, including emotional stability, social well-being, and cognitive function. The findings indicate that nearly half of young adults worldwide are experiencing severe mental distress, significantly impairing their ability to function in everyday life.
Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, Founder and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, noted that Africa has a unique advantage in youth mental health that must be preserved as the continent undergoes rapid economic and technological transformation. She warned that while African youth currently display greater mental resilience, factors such as urbanization, digital adoption, and evolving lifestyles could threaten this advantage if not managed carefully.
The report attributes the mental health crisis among young people in high-income nations to several key factors, including increased digital exposure from an early age, weaker social bonds, unhealthy dietary habits, and environmental stressors. These factors have contributed to a significant drop in youth mental well-being, with global MHQ scores for those under 35 averaging only 38, compared to over 100 for older adults.
A major concern highlighted in the report is that the current generation of young adults will soon dominate the global workforce. With many struggling with mental distress, this could lead to reduced productivity, higher absenteeism, and widespread societal challenges. The findings suggest that African nations have an opportunity to learn from the challenges faced by the West and take proactive steps to safeguard youth mental health.
Stronger community and family ties, later exposure to smartphones, and more in-person social interactions have been identified as key contributors to better mental health outcomes in Africa. However, researchers caution that these protective factors could be eroded if technological adoption and urbanization are not managed responsibly.
Dr. Thiagarajan emphasized the need for African policymakers and communities to take immediate action to preserve and strengthen youth mental resilience. She pointed to the importance of fostering strong social bonds, delaying early exposure to digital technology, promoting healthy lifestyles, and addressing environmental risk factors. By taking proactive steps now, African nations can ensure that their youth remain mentally strong and well-equipped to contribute positively to the global economy in the coming decades.
As the world grapples with a growing youth mental health crisis, the relative strength of African youth presents a rare opportunity. By learning from global trends and implementing policies that prioritize mental well-being, African leaders can secure a healthier and more productive future for their young populations.
