MKU Steps Up Mental Well-being Programmes After Student’s Death

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has announced a raft of measures to protect students’ physical and mental well-being following the stabbing to death of a second year student on Monday, June 14.

“The institution fully understands how such kind of trauma can affect young minds and thus measures have been put in place to ensure these students are put under the best care for their well being,” the institution noted in a statement.

In what police believe is a case of a relationship turned tragic over alleged infidelity, the student was stabbed several times by her lover who then fled. She died while receiving treatment for stab wounds at the Thika Level Five Hospital.

The university disclosed that all the affected students including those that witnessed the incident had been taken under guidance and counseling.

MKU is also ramping up its Mental Health program focused on tackling various psychological issues affecting students. Mental health challenges have been identified as a key contributor to rising cases of violence and crime involving youth across the country.

Introduced in January, the program helps students and youth navigate issues including challenges in romantic relationships and dealing with rejection.

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The project is under the stewardship of MKU co-founder and board member Dr. Jane Nyutu who recently graduated with a doctorate in Counselling Psychology.

In addition, all the affected students – who were residing outside of the main campus when the incident happened –  have been accorded accommodation in the university hostel for free and for an unlimited amount of time.

MKU hopes to monitor them closely, offering guidance and ensuring that their mental wellbeing is prioritized.

Several bizarre incidents involving students have been reported in recent months, raising fears on the mental health of an entire generation.

As recently as Wednesday, June 9, a student from Ainamoi Secondary School attacked his head teacher with a piece of wood which had a six-inch nail sticking out before fleeing.  Other recent cases include the stabbing of two teachers by a high school student in Kisii and the murder of four family members in Kiambu by a 23-year old MKU student.

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