# Is therapy confidential in Kenya?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/is-therapy-confidential-in-kenya
For: Patients | Mental health | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 23 October 2026

**Answer:** Yes. What you share in therapy in Kenya is confidential, and health information is protected as sensitive personal data under the Data Protection Act 2019. There are limited exceptions, such as a serious risk of harm to you or others, safeguarding concerns about a child, or a court order. A good therapist explains these limits at the first session.

### What confidentiality covers

Your therapist should not share what you discuss, or even that you attend therapy, without your consent. Practices must keep records secure, collect only what they need, and control who can see your notes.

### When information may be shared

**Common exceptions to ask about**

- Serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else.
- Concerns that a child is being harmed.
- A court order or other legal requirement.
- Information shared with your consent, for example with your doctor or insurer.

> **Your rights:** Under the Data Protection Act 2019 you can ask what information a practice holds about you and ask for mistakes to be corrected.

> **Important:** If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, call 999 or 112, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the free Kenya Red Cross line 1199. This article is general information. It does not diagnose, treat or replace care from a qualified professional.

## More questions

### Will my employer find out I am in therapy?

Not from your therapist without your consent. If your employer's insurance pays, ask what information the insurer receives.

### Can my parents see my therapy notes?

For adults, no. For children and teenagers, parents or guardians are usually involved, but therapists aim to protect a young person's privacy where it is safe.

### How long are therapy records kept?

Practices keep records for a set period under their policy and the law. Ask the practice what its retention period is.

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**About Tymira Health:** Tymira Health is a healthcare technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya. It builds Tymira360, a practice management and EHR platform for mental health, physiotherapy and dental providers, clinics, hospitals, NGOs and insurers across Africa.

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