I have spent much of my academic life exploring how communities can take charge of their own mental well-being. As a clinical-developmental psychologist and advocate for preventive psychology, I’ve long believed that the solutions to many of our mental health challenges lie not just in hospitals and clinics, but in everyday relationships and structures that shape our lives.
A community-based mental health model inspired by Nyumba Kumi
During a local security meeting in Mbeere, Kenya, I was introduced to the Nyumba Kumi initiative—a government-led model where community elders oversee clusters of ten households. It struck me that these elders, already trusted figures in their neighbourhoods, could be trained to do more than just monitor security. They could become the first line of support for mental health. The picture below shows the security meeting that I attended where the Nyumba Kumi elders were introduced by provincial administrators.
This idea became the foundation of my current research project for the AfOx fellowship. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Professor Robin Dunbar, whose work on social group sizes—famously known as Dunbar’s number—has added a scientific lens to my community-based approach.
Addressing Kenya’s growing mental health crisis
Kenya is facing a mental health crisis. Depression rates are among the highest in Africa, and suicide rates have been rising steadily since 2015. Yet, access to mental health care remains limited, especially outside major towns. Facilities are scarce, costs are high, and insurance coverage is often inadequate. Mental health professionals are few and clustered in towns.
In this context, the Nyumba Kumi model offers a promising alternative. By training community elders to recognise early signs of mental distress and offer basic support, we can create a sustainable, community-led mental health network. These elders can then pass on their knowledge to others, ensuring continuity even as leadership changes. The goal is not just to intervene, but to prevent, thereby empowering communities to care for their own.
What makes this approach innovative is its grounding in both cultural relevance and scientific theory. Dunbar’s research shows that humans naturally form stable social groups of about 5 to 15 people—precisely the size of a Nyumba Kumi cluster. This alignment suggests that such groups are not only manageable but also psychologically meaningful, making them ideal units for mental health support.
Facilitating deeper research and collaboration
The AfOx fellowship has been instrumental in bringing this project to life. It has provided a supportive environment where I’ve had the freedom to think deeply, consult widely, and refine my ideas. The flexibility of the programme has allowed me to attend lectures across departments, engage with scholars from diverse fields, and build meaningful partnerships.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience has been the collaboration with Professor Dunbar and the broader Oxford community. From being introduced to the Department of Experimental Psychology to attending a commemoration at Magdalene College, I’ve felt both intellectually enriched and personally welcomed. Colleagues like Prof. Daniel Freeman ( Chair, Department of Experimental Psychology) , Dr Rowan Diamond and Dr Louise Isham have not only contributed to my academic journey but also helped me feel at home—introducing me, for instance, to the uniquely Oxford tradition of punting!
Building future partnerships for mental health research in Kenya
Beyond Oxford, the fellowship has opened doors for future collaborations in Kenya. Through connections facilitated by Professor Charles Vincent, I’ve met researchers like Professor Mike English and Professor Sassy Molyneux, who share an interest in community health. These relationships are laying the groundwork for future studies that could expand the reach and impact of our work.
Ultimately, my hope is that this project will lead to a policy paper that informs national strategies on mental health for healthy people. But more than that, I want to see communities empowered to support one another. I believe we can prevent many of the mental health crises that currently go unnoticed and untreated with the right knowledge and tools.
Prof Charles Kimamo, is a clinical-developmental psychologist and former Head of the Department of Psychology at the University of Nairobi in Kenya. Prof Kimamo was also an AfOx fellow based at the Department of Experimental Psychology and was affiliated with Jesus College at the University of Oxford.