Five years of my life have been full of ups and downs and at some point, I have lost the resolve to live. Mental exhaustions has been real and some point I bailed out on my goals and dreams. This is because, being a caregiver to a family member with a mental illness has been the most challenging task I have had to undertake in my life. Carrying this burden, and still being expected to show up whole at work, in church, in friendships, family and other social circles, hasn't been easy. 

According to article 43 (a1) of the Kenya Constitution 2010, "every person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health which includes the right to healthcare services." Unfortunately, caregivers for people with mental illnesses don't get to enjoy this right because their mental wellness is rarely considered and prioritised.  Psychosocial support is solely accorded to the people with mental illness and caregivers who risk developing mental illnesses are forgotten.

Who cares to know how Racheal Otwoma, wife to Ezekiel Otwoma, the former footballer who is now paralysed after an illness and now fully depended on her, is doing? Who cares to know how the caregivers of Kimani Mbugua are doing?

As the Ministry of Health through the Kenya Mental Health Policy 2015-2030 pursues it's commitment to ensure every individual enjoys optimal health status and capacity, the mental health rights of caregivers should be clearly outlined and prioritised.

I therefore call upon the Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Debra Mulongo Barasa to work with the relevant stakeholders in ensuring that the Kenya Mental Health Policy is ammended to accommodate the crucial rights of the caregivers of people with Mental illnesses.

By signing this petition, you are saving the life of your relative, sibling or friend who might be pushed to suicide, when they get overwhelmed. You are also protecting yourself from the uncertainities you might face if you ever find yourself in the caregiving role.

Together, let's make the world safe for all.