The Ministry of Gender and Affirmative Action has announced plans to hold consultative forums with men across all sub-counties in Nyeri County following a sharp increase in suicide cases among men.
Speaking in Nyeri, Principal Secretary Anne Wangombe expressed deep concern over the trend, revealing that the number of reported suicides had risen from 104 to 107 in just one week.
“As a Ministry, we are deeply concerned about the rising number of men taking their own lives in this county. We intend to hold consultative meetings with men and local leaders to identify solutions and combat this growing menace,” said Wangombe.
She said the government was determined to find long-term interventions that address the root causes of the crisis, stressing that the Ministry “will not sit back as the problem worsens.”
According to data from the regional administration, 80 men have died by suicide in the past three months compared to 24 women during the same period.
The surge has sparked widespread debate over possible causes, with some ruling out poverty as the main trigger and others pointing to alcohol and substance abuse — particularly the use of illicit brews — as major contributors.
Wangombe said the Ministry would work with mental health experts, local leaders, and community groups to design community-based solutions that strengthen men’s emotional support systems and curb the growing suicide rate.
She urged Nyeri residents to come forward and participate in the upcoming meetings, saying that open dialogue and awareness were key to preventing further loss of life.
