ABOUT US
12,400,000
Kenyans who suffer
from mental illness
will go untreated.
10,300,000
In Kenya...
Of the
10,300,000
Source: World Health Organization; Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Kenya Mental Health Policy
The Kamili Vision
Kamili Organisation provides free mental health services via 30+ clinics across Kenya. Our model clinic in Nairobi, provides accurate diagnosis, treatment, and support to patients and their families as well as provides psychosocial care in the form of education and increasing awareness around mental health issues in the community. We also regularly work with the local community to raise awareness about the symptoms and stigma associated with mental health.
Kamili Organisation was set up in 2009 by Melanie Blake to take over two mental health clinics in low income areas of Nairobi, including one slum area. The government had not supported the integration of these private clinics into the primary health care system, thus, they were due to close -despite offering a much needed service for the local community. Since then, Kamili has grown exponentially and become one of the main providers of mental health care in Kenya.
In 2017, Melanie Blake accepted, on behalf of Kamili, an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to Mental Health in Kenya. Read more about it here.
We currently have 36 Kamili trained nurses in 25 of the 47 counties. Our goal is to have a clinic in every county in Kenya.
Our Patients
Kamili now supports nearly 13,000 patients and their families - this number is constantly increasing.
In 2020, in spite of the pandemic, we have
-
seen an increase of 1,729 patients
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completed 17,649 consultations
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held 1,785 counselling consultations
-
conducted group therapy sessions for a wide range of people
-
Continued to build our Savings & Loan Programme
Mental health is very neglected in Kenya. By the time patients and their families arrive here they've lost hope. The first thing they ask is "Is everything going to be okay?" I can confidently tell them yes. After 2 weeks I can already see a difference in new patients. They now have a quality of life that otherwise felt unachievable. That is what motivates me every morning.
MARTIN
Why Kamili?
Salome
I've been here since day one - how I've seen Kamili grow! From a hopeless position we are now hopeful. We are making an impact on Kenyan society - and to patients personally. I can see it on their faces. As they enter the clinic they light up and smile. We have a personal relationship they value. I know so because they tell me every day.
Lydiah
I came to Kamili 5 years ago for training and never left. Kamili taught me more than anywhere else I had trained. The clinic receives such a wide range of illnesses so I feel I have learned an enormous amount in a short amount of time. The professionals here are one of a kind. They teach me everyday and I am constantly growing. Kamili has made me a better counselor.