The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), through its Guidance and Counselling Unit, led by Dr Soud Tengah, marked World Mental Health Day with a week-long programme from 5 to 9 October 2026. The activities culminated in a mental health awareness walk from the University to Mama Ngina Waterfront on Friday, 9 October.
Held under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” the commemoration brought together students, staff, mental health professionals, partner organisations and University departments to promote mental health awareness, encourage open conversations and highlight the importance of seeking support.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in discussions on grief, addiction, suicide, self-harm and screen addiction, alongside activities focused on resilience and self-care. These included guided group discussions, meditation, yoga, dance therapy, bonfire, sports, creative expression and opportunities for students to share their lived experiences.
The programme also provided access to essential support services. Through partnerships with organisations including Chiromo Hospital Group, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), G4G and Reachout, among others, participants accessed free mental health screening and counselling. AHF Kenya also provided HIV testing services, while G4G's mobile therapy unit offered additional support.
Before flagging off the awareness walk, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Laila Abubakar, emphasised the importance of breaking the silence around mental health challenges. She encouraged anyone facing a problem to speak up, noting that sharing one's struggles is part of the healing process.
Robi Mutai, a representative from Chiromo Hospital Group, described the programme as unique because it focused on practical, hands-on activities that enabled participants to engage directly with mental health and well-being. He thanked TUM and its partners for creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration and supporting initiatives that promote mental health awareness and access to care.
The Technical University of Mombasa Students Union (TUMSA), alongside several University clubs and student groups, participated in the activities, reinforcing the role of student leadership and campus communities in promoting mental well-being.
Dr Soud Tengah said that normalizing open conversations about mental health is essential, adding that it was inspiring to see the entire community unite in support of the cause. He noted that the awareness walk should not be viewed as a one-time achievement, but as the start of a new chapter requiring sustained commitment to ensure that the progress made is lasting.
“Early mental health intervention saves lives,” Dr Tengah said, emphasizing that continued collective action can help create a safer and healthier environment where no one has to face mental health challenges in silence.
Dr Tengah thanked the TUM community and all the partners who contributed to the initiative, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, Sayyida Fatima Hospital, Premier Hospital, Mzuri Sweets Ltd, Stretchers Youth Organisation, Kitui Flour Mills, Girls for Girls Africa, Chiromo Hospital Group, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and the Simba Foundation, among many others. “Well done to everyone involved,” he said, commending their collective efforts in making the week-long commemoration a success.
Through the initiative, TUM reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a supportive university environment where mental health concerns can be discussed openly, lived experiences are heard, and members of the community are encouraged to seek help when needed.
