# What does decriminalising attempted suicide mean for our organisation's policies?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-does-decriminalising-attempted-suicide-mean-for-our-organisation-s-policies
For: Executives | Mental health practice | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the High Court has decriminalised attempted suicide. The Commission also notes that the amended Mental Health Act treats suicidal ideation as a mental health condition. Leaders should review policies that treat suicidal behaviour mainly as a disciplinary or police matter, and focus on safe care, confidentiality and referral. Workplace and school policies should follow the same approach. Get legal advice on how the ruling applies to your setting.

Sources: 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 - Ministry of Health: http://guidelines.health.go.ke:8000/media/SUICIDE-PREVENTION-STRATEGY-2021-2026.pdf

## Related questions

- [How can a mental health programme scale across sites or counties?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-can-a-mental-health-programme-scale-across-sites-or-counties)
- [How can county health departments plan and budget for mental health?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-can-county-health-departments-plan-and-budget-for-mental-health)
- [How can mental health care be integrated into primary health care?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-can-mental-health-care-be-integrated-into-primary-health-care)

---

**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.

- Book a demo: https://tymirahealth.com/demo
- Contact: https://tymirahealth.com/contact (info@tymirahealth.com)
- All resources: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/all