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About Us

In Kenya, studies show that 10.8% of Kenyans have a mental illness at any point in time. However, the government invests just 0.01% of the health expenditure on mental health and has only 62 government psychiatrists serving 49 million Kenyans. Consequently, mental health services remain practically inaccessible to most Kenyans, particularly those who need them most – the poor and marginalized groups.

Bridging the gap
Mental illness can be a very lonely place to be, especially when no help seems to be forthcoming. Pamoja means ‘we are one in Swahili. The #PamojaInitiative is about reaching out and bringing help to the many who suffer without help.

 


Pamoja is a community-based recovery model anchored on technology and community-based psychosocial support.  Our outpatient clinic is supported by the Wellbeing Lounge, Pamoja's mental health unit on wheels, and a network of local non-specialist mental health lay workers at the grassroots with specialists located far away via video conference technology enabling underserved communities to access the highest quality services at their doorstep.

 

A 3-pronged approach
Advocacy, affordable treatment, and social support are the initiative’s focus areas. The innovation has won international accolades, including being featured in the UNAIDS Ten Global Community Innovation booklet of 2020,  MIT Solve 2021, and Echoing Green Fellowship 2022.

 

The Pamoja innovation has three pillars;

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Task Shifting 

We employ a stepped-care approach where lived experience experts are trained as task-shifted lay counsellors and mental health champions in their community​

Telepsychiatry

We use a video link to connect these task-shifted lay counsellors and their clients in the community with PDO specialists locally and abroad for instant referral services, consultation, training, and supervision​

Cultural Adaptation

 Our model is homegrown and culturally sensitive. It needs adapted interventions refined through feedback from local stakeholders and our clients.        

  • Where are you located?
    We are located in Nakuru Section 58, near Jamhuri Primary. Check our contact page for Google Map location.
  • Can I insert an image, video, or gif in my FAQ?
    Yes. To add media follow these steps: 1. Enter the app’s Settings 2. Click on the “Manage FAQs” button 3. Select the question you would like to add media to 4. When editing your answer click on the camera, video, or GIF icon 5. Add media from your library.
  • I need counselling.
    Hello. Call our therapy line on 0774354618. Thanks
  • I am looking for a job or volunteer opportunity.
    Check our social media pages for job advertisements.
  • Are you open on weekends and holidays?
    Yes, except Sundays.
  • How do I add a new question & answer?
    To add a new FAQ follow these steps: 1. Click “Manage FAQs” button 2. From your site’s dashboard you can add, edit and manage all your questions and answers 3. Each question and answer should be added to a category 4. Save and publish.
  • I want to see a psychiatrist
    Hello. Call our therapy line on 0774354618. Thanks.
  • How much do you charge?
    Ksh. 500 per therapy session or Ksh. 1000 psychiatric consultation session.
  • How do I edit or remove the “FAQ” title?
    You can edit the title from the Settings tab in the app. If you don’t want to display the title, simply disable the Title under “Info to Display”.
  • What is an FAQ section?
    An FAQ section can be used to quickly answer common questions about you or your business, such as “Where do you ship to?”, “What are your opening hours?” or “How can I book a service?” It’s a great way to help people navigate your site and can even boost your site’s SEO.
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