# Where can I get free or urgent mental health help in Kenya?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/where-can-i-get-free-or-urgent-mental-health-help-in-kenya
For: Patients | Mental health | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 23 October 2026

**Answer:** If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. For free support, you can call the Kenya Red Cross line 1199, Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177, or Niskize on 0900 620 800. For alcohol and drug concerns, the NACADA helpline is 1192.

### Emergency and crisis contacts

**Kenya support lines (verify before publishing)**

- Emergency services: 999 or 112.
- Kenya Red Cross free helpline: 1199 (24 hours).
- Befrienders Kenya (suicide and emotional distress): +254 722 178 177, by call, SMS or WhatsApp.
- Niskize suicide emergency line: 0900 620 800.
- Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation: 0800 723 253.
- NACADA alcohol and drug helpline: 1192.

### Free and low-cost ongoing support

After a crisis, ongoing support can come from county and referral hospitals with mental health units, community health promoters, university counselling clinics, faith-based and NGO services, and peer support groups.

> **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

### Is 1199 free to call in Kenya?

Yes. The Ministry of Health and Kenya Red Cross describe 1199 as a free line for people who need psychological support.

### What should I do if a friend talks about suicide?

Take it seriously, stay with them if you can, remove anything they could use to harm themselves, and call 1199, 999 or 112, or take them to the nearest emergency department.

### Can I text a mental health line in Kenya?

Befrienders Kenya can be reached by SMS and WhatsApp on +254 722 178 177.

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