Kerugoya, Kenya – May 11, 2025
In a bold move to tackle mental health challenges directly at the grassroots level, Convo Africa launched the “Healing is Possible” initiative this past Saturday at Kiamwenja Market, Ngaru Location in Kirinyaga County. Spearheaded by Dr. Fridah Wachira, with strong community support from area Chief Bethroser Gaconde, the campaign will offer free mental health clinics every Saturday in May.
This effort is a key component of Mental Health Awareness Month, carried out through Convo Africa’s Doctor’s Bench program and inspired by this year’s theme: “Turning Awareness into Action, When I Heal, My Community Thrives.” The goal is to make mental health support accessible, practical, and stigma-free, especially in underserved rural areas.
Mental Health in the Market: Where Healing Begins
On Saturday 10, May 2025, over 40 residents received free therapy and wellness screening during the first clinic held in the Chief’s office compound. Many community members arrived thinking they needed only physical treatment, but instead were gently engaged in mental health screenings and therapy.
Every attendee, regardless of their reason for visiting, received a comprehensive session with mental health professionals. This subtle approach aimed to demonstrate how misunderstood mental illness is in the community, where it’s often equated with madness or “kuchizi.”
Comprehensive Services Offered
The clinics provided:
– Mental Health Therapy & Counselling
– Addiction & Substance Use Disorder Screening
– Depression, Anxiety & PTSD Assessments
– Grief and Trauma Counselling
– Blood Pressure & Sugar Testing
– Referrals
A Team Effort Backed by Experts
The project is led by Dr. Fridah Wachira, a medical doctor and Director of Convo Africa. To deliver a holistic approach, the organisation partnered with Mwea Serenity Treatment and Counselling Centre and assembled an expanded multidisciplinary team. This includes clinicians, psychiatric nurses, medical officers, and counselling psychologists.
Their united presence ensures that both mental and physical health services are seamlessly delivered on-site, removing the barriers that often prevent rural communities from seeking professional help.
Every Saturday in May Schedule
| Date | Event | Location |
| May 10 | Mental Health Clinic | Kiamwenja Market |
| May 17 | Mental Health Clinic | Kiamwenja Market |
| May 24 | Mental Health Clinic | Kiamwenja Market |
| May 31 | 10km Awareness Walk | Ngaru Location, Kerugoya |
Engaging the Community Through Education
Beyond screening and therapy, the team distributed mental health and substance use questionnaires to the public. Recognizing that some individuals were unable to fill them out independently, the team assisted respondents on-site, ensuring no one was left behind in the data collection process.
These questionnaires will help assess:
– Local beliefs and misconceptions
– Knowledge gaps around mental health and SUDs
– Barriers to treatment
– Attitudes toward professional support services
The data gathered will be shared and help to customize, evidence-based interventions and future community education programs.
Looking Ahead
Healing is Possible is more than a slogan. It’s a community-centred movement that makes mental health support available, accessible, and acceptable.
Every Saturday in May offers an opportunity for healing, learning, and breaking the silence and stigma.
As one clinician said:
“When we bring therapy to the market, we’re not just offering help. We’re offering hope.”
