The National Assembly has introduced the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (National Assembly Bill No. 53 of 2024), seeking to decriminalize attempted suicide in Kenya.
Sponsored by Mathare MP Hon. Anthony Oluoch, the Bill proposes to delete Section 226 of the Penal Code, which currently criminalizes attempted suicide.
If passed, the amendment will recognize suicide attempts as a mental health issue rather than a criminal act, aligning the country with global efforts to address suicide through support and care rather than punishment.
"The Bill aims to shift the national response to attempted suicide from criminal justice to mental health intervention," Hon. Oluoch stated. "We must stop punishing people for seeking help during their darkest moments."The proposed reform is in line with international targets, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Mental Health Action Plan, both of which aim to reduce global suicide rates by one-third by 2030.
According to a WHO policy brief, criminalizing suicide remains a significant barrier to suicide prevention, with at least 23 countries still enforcing such laws. The organization argues that decriminalization is a crucial step in encouraging individuals to seek help during mental health crises.
Supporters of the Bill believe that removing the legal penalties for attempted suicide will pave the way for increased investment in mental health services and public awareness, potentially saving lives.
