More learners are struggling with mental health challenges, raising fresh concern over the growing impact on classroom learning and prompting education stakeholders to push for stronger counselling services and early support in schools before the situation worsens.
The issue dominated discussions during a three-day Ministry of Education consultative meeting held in Homa Bay, bringing together students, teachers, security officers, religious leaders, elders and community representatives to explore ways of improving education standards.
Learners who addressed the forum said the pressure of balancing school work with personal and family challenges was leaving many overwhelmed, making it harder for them to concentrate and perform well in class.
"Some learners are given multiple assignments and struggle to complete them on time. This causes stress," one student said.
Homa Bay County Education Director Eunice Khaemba said schools were witnessing an increase in learners facing mental health challenges, adding that many of them come from homes where parents are also dealing with depression and anxiety.
She said schools should invest more in counselling and psychological support while parents and teachers should create an environment where children feel safe enough to share their struggles without fear.
"Mental health is not a weakness. It affects learning, performance and the future of our children," Khaemba said.
Psychiatric nurse Georgina Otieno from Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital said children with mental health challenges are often misunderstood and disciplined instead of receiving the professional help they require.
"Every behaviour in a child is a form of communication. Adults need to understand what children are trying to express before taking action," she said.
She urged schools to identify affected learners early and refer them to mental health specialists so they can receive the right care.
The meeting also pointed to teenage pregnancies, poor school feeding programmes, drug abuse and declining discipline as other challenges affecting education.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem proposed the introduction of community policing initiatives in schools to strengthen learner safety and support, while Luo Council of Elders member Apollo Bwana urged politicians to avoid inflammatory remarks, saying children often copy what they see and hear from leaders.
Participants expressed optimism that putting the recommendations into practice would improve learner wellbeing and strengthen the implementation of the Competency-Based Education curriculum.