# When can a mental health clinician in Kenya share confidential client information without consent?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/when-can-a-mental-health-clinician-in-kenya-share-confidential-client-information-without-consen
For: Clinicians | Mental health practice | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** The Mental Health Act (section 3H) makes all care and treatment information confidential, but allows disclosure where it is required by law, ordered by a court, in the public interest, necessary to prevent serious harm to the client or others, needed for treatment, authorised under a supportive decision-making agreement, or in the client's best interest. The Health Act (section 11) separately permits disclosure with written consent, under a court order or law, or for a serious public health threat. Disclose only what is necessary, record your reasoning, and consult a supervisor or lawyer when unsure.

Sources: Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/1989/10/eng@2023-12-11 - Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/2017/21/eng@2022-12-31

## Related questions

- [Are social workers now regulated in Kenya?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/are-social-workers-now-regulated-in-kenya)
- [Can a teenager consent to counselling without a parent in Kenya?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-a-teenager-consent-to-counselling-without-a-parent-in-kenya)
- [Can family members or carers be given information about an adult client?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-family-members-or-carers-be-given-information-about-an-adult-client)

---

**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