# Is attempted suicide still a crime in Kenya, and should clinicians report it to the police?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/is-attempted-suicide-still-a-crime-in-kenya-and-should-clinicians-report-it-to-the-police
For: Clinicians | Mental health practice | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** In January 2025 the High Court declared section 226 of the Penal Code, which criminalised attempted suicide, unconstitutional. The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to formally repeal the section was still before Parliament in September 2026, so the provision remains in the statute book. Clinicians should treat a suicide attempt as a health matter, provide or refer for care, and record risk assessment and safety planning. Police involvement may still be needed in an emergency; take legal advice if asked to report.

Sources: Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2025/6/eng@2025-01-09 - Kenya National Commission on Human Rights: https://www.knchr.org/Articles/ArtMID/2432/ArticleID/1265/The-World-Suicide-Prevention-Day-2026-%E2%80%9CChanging-the-Narrative-on-Suicide%E2%80%9D

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