By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Overview: This article discusses the impact of colonial legacies on mental health practices in Africa, particularly in Kenya. It outlines how colonialism marginalized traditional African healing practices and promoted Western mental health methods, often to the detriment of culturally relevant approaches. Additionally, it highlights modern challenges in mental health care and the need for integrating traditional and modern practices to create a more effective system.

The Colonial Impact on African Traditional Medicine

The legacy of colonialism in Africa profoundly impacted traditional medicine. Before colonial rule, African communities embraced a holistic approach to healing, deeply embedded with cultural practices such as family connections, spiritual ceremonies, prayers, songs, dances, and storytelling.

These practices addressed both physical and mental health, creating a comprehensive well-being system. However, the introduction of Western psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, often seen as the gold standard in mental health care, marginalized these traditional methods. In 1925, the colonial government enacted the Witchcraft Act (Cap 67), banning traditional medicine and labeling practitioners as “witch doctors.” This law imposed severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, hindering the progress and recognition of traditional medicine.

The colonial disdain for African healing practices was worsened by the lack of written documentation, making it seem as though these practices never existed. As a result, many Africans, especially those with mental health issues, were discouraged from seeking help from traditional healers, leading to the widespread adoption of Western medical practices.

This shift contributed to a lasting skepticism toward Western mental health interventions among many Africans.

Modern Mental Health Advocacy and Challenges

Public awareness of mental health issues has grown over time, leading to advocacy for the rights of individuals suffering from mental illnesses. In 2011, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) released a report highlighting the stigma surrounding mental illness, poor conditions of psychiatric facilities, and insufficient funding for mental health care.

Despite these revelations, there remains a significant gap in addressing mental health issues in Kenya. Colonial-era misconceptions, such as the belief that the African brain was inferior and less prone to depression, perpetuated damaging stereotypes with long-lasting effects. These assumptions have contributed to the continued distrust of advanced Western mental health practices among many Africans.

However, recent years have seen a shift. In August 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) held the inaugural Global Traditional Medicine Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, marking a significant acknowledgment of the importance of traditional medicine.

Integrating Traditional and Modern Practices

The WHO’s endorsement highlights the importance of studies like the 2008 publication “Traditional Health Practitioners and Mental Health in Kenya,” which underscored the prevalence of mental illness and the critical shortage of mental health professionals in the country.

At that time, Kenya had only 16 psychiatrists for a population of 32 million, most of whom were concentrated in Nairobi. This severe shortage emphasized the need for collaboration between traditional healers, who enjoy high community trust, and mainstream medical practitioners, especially in rural areas.

Integrating traditional and modern practices involves recognizing the value of both approaches. Traditional healers provide culturally relevant care that resonates deeply with local communities, while modern medicine offers scientifically validated treatments. A collaborative approach could bridge the gap, offering a more comprehensive and accessible mental health care system.