A new global study has placed Kenya among the countries with the highest mental resilience, with young people scoring higher on the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) compared to their peers in Western nations.
The Mental State of the World 2024 Report by Sapien Labs, which examined over one million responses from internet users across 76 countries, indicates that mental well-being among young adults in Africa remains significantly stronger than in high-income countries.
According to the findings, Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Nigeria, leads the continent in youth mental strength, with scores ranging between 50 and 60 on a 0-100 scale. This contrasts sharply with Western nations, where youth mental health has been on a steady decline since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In contrast, nations such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Ukraine recorded some of the lowest youth mental health scores, ranging between 30 and 40.
Additionally, South Africa stands out as the only African nation exhibiting mental health trends similar to those in Western countries, with its youth scoring between 30 and 40 on the MHQ scale.
“Tanzania ranks highest in Africa and globally, but it is important to note that youth mental health figures across the continent are still lower than those of older adults worldwide,” the report stated.
The study attributes Kenya’s relatively high mental strength to strong social and family support systems that provide emotional stability, in contrast to the individualistic lifestyles common in Western nations.
Additionally, delayed smartphone exposure among Kenyan youth reduces the negative impacts associated with excessive screen time, such as social isolation and anxiety. Unlike their counterparts in high-income countries, Kenyan young adults engage more in face-to-face social interactions, which help foster emotional resilience.
Outdoor activities, including sports and community engagements, also play a key role in improving mental well-being by reducing stress and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Despite these advantages, the report warns that mental health challenges among Kenyan youth could rise due to early smartphone adoption, urbanization, processed diets, and weakening social ties.
As Kenya undergoes rapid technological and economic changes, young people are increasingly exposed to anxiety, depression, and emotional distress—trends already evident in Western nations.
Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, Founder and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, emphasized the need for proactive measures to safeguard youth mental well-being.
“Africa has a unique advantage in youth mental health, but this must be actively preserved as the continent continues to evolve,” she stated.
With the ongoing shift towards digital lifestyles and urban living, experts are urging communities and policymakers to strengthen support systems that promote mental resilience among the younger generation.
