# Which suicide risk screening tools are validated for use in Kenya?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/which-suicide-risk-screening-tools-are-validated-for-use-in-kenya
For: Clinicians | Mental health care | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** Evidence is limited. The PHQ-9, which includes an item on thoughts of self-harm, has been validated in English and Kiswahili for Kenyan adolescents and adults, but it is a depression screen, not a full suicide risk assessment. The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale has been validated in South African primary care, but no Kenyan validation was found. Kenya's 2024 clinical guidelines and WHO mhGAP recommend asking directly about self-harm as part of a comprehensive clinical assessment, followed by management and follow-up.

Sources: Journal of Adolescent Health / PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36376148 - Journal of Affective Disorders / PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38908555 - Ministry of Health, Kenya: https://mental.health.go.ke/download/national-clinical-guidelines-for-management-of-common-mental-disorders/ - World Health Organization: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/brain-health/mhgap-training-manuals/sui_module.pdf?sfvrsn=bb7a26ed_5

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