Question
Where can I get free or urgent mental health help in Kenya?
Plain-language answer for people in Kenya searching "mental health helpline Kenya". For clinical review before publication.
- Audience
- Patients
- Topic
- Mental health
- Reviewed
- Oct 23, 2026
- Medical reviewer
- Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya
Quick 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.
On this page
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.
Provider pathway
Find the right care path
Patient content should guide people toward provider discovery, appointment preparation, or related guidance.
Provider pathway cards will appear here when provider discovery data is available. Until then, patient pages should continue to point to preparation and access guidance.
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FAQs
Common questions
FAQs are written for readers first and only use structured data if visible content supports it.
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.