By GPC Sports Desk
The government is working on measures to address mental health challenges among young creatives, improve the welfare of retired athletes and strengthen youth empowerment programmes.
This was disclosed by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya when he appeared before the Senate in Kilifi on Wednesday to respond to questions from senators on mental health, athletes’ welfare, sporting heritage and government programmes targeting young people.
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Responding to Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Mvurya said young creatives operate in an environment marked by financial instability, social media scrutiny, cyberbullying, loss of privacy and pressure to remain relevant.
He said these challenges could contribute to stress, depression, anxiety and substance abuse, increasing vulnerability during emotional crises.
“The mental health and overall well-being of citizens, particularly young creatives, remains a strategic priority for the Government,” Mvurya said.
The CS said the government does not currently maintain a disaggregated national registry tracking suicide, attempted suicide or mental health conditions by profession. He said available national statistics indicate about 400 to 500 reported suicide deaths annually, although occupational information is not routinely captured.
Mvurya said the government was working towards establishing a unified National Suicide Registry through the Ministry of Health, while his ministry was advancing an Inter-Agency Data Framework, Creative Sector Wellness Policy, expanded helplines and peer-support mechanisms.
On athletes’ welfare, Mvurya told Senator Hamida Kibwana that the ministry was developing a centralised database of Kenyan athletes who have won medals at regional, continental and international competitions.
He said the database would improve documentation of sporting achievements, talent tracking and policy planning.
Mvurya also outlined government interventions targeting retired sports personalities, including employment and career-transition opportunities, goodwill ambassador roles, official appointments and institutional placements.
He said consultations were ongoing on comprehensive welfare programmes covering financial support, medical care, housing and social protection for retired athletes, coaches and other sports officials.
The CS further said global medal rewards had been revised to KSh3 million for gold, KSh2 million for silver and KSh1 million for bronze.
On sporting heritage, Mvurya cited the Kenya Heroes Act, 2014, which provides for the recognition of individuals, including sports personalities, for national honours.
Responding to Nyandarua Senator John Methu, he cited the Kenya National Youth Development Policy 2019, Vision 2030, the Fourth Medium Term Plan, BETA and other national, regional and continental frameworks guiding youth empowerment programmes.
