# Does having a mental illness affect my legal rights, such as voting, owning property or working?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/does-having-a-mental-illness-affect-my-legal-rights-such-as-voting-owning-property-or-working
For: Patients | Mental health care | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** No. Kenya's Mental Health Act says people with mental illness have the right to recognition before the law and to exercise all civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights on an equal basis with others. You also have the right to take part fully in community life, to access medical, social and legal services, and to be protected from discrimination and exploitation.

Sources: Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/1989/10/eng@2023-12-11

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