Innovative Digital Intervention: NRF-Funded Project Advancing Youth Mental Health in Kenya
Mental health among young people is an urgent issue in sub-Saharan Africa, with depression and suicide rates rising due to factors such as social pressures, economic hardship, and limited access to mental health services. To address this challenge, Akili Innovative Synergy Hub, a research group dedicated to developing advanced mental health technologies, is spearheading a digital intervention to improve mental health outcomes for Kenyan youth. The project, Developing a Digital Intervention for the Prevention and Early Detection of Depression and Suicide among Youth in Kenya, is funded by the National Research Fund (NRF) and implemented by the University of Embu in collaboration with Mount Kenya University and TINADA, a youth organization based in Kisumu.
A Technology-Driven Approach to Mental Health
The initiative centers on the development of a mobile application, AkiliBora, designed to screen for mental health issues and provide referral options. The app integrates an AI-powered chatbot that offers conversational assistance, raises awareness, and delivers valuable mental health information. This digital intervention aims to provide a scalable, accessible, and cost-effective solution for early detection and prevention of depression and suicidal behavior among young people.
Project Objectives
The project is guided by three key objectives:
- Develop and pilot the AkiliBora mental health mobile application for depression and suicidal behavior prevention, early detection, and response among youth within 18 months.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile app in preventing and detecting depression and suicidal behavior among young people.
- Assess the market feasibility, scalability, and replicability of the mental health mobile application to maximize its impact.
Project Activities and Milestones
To achieve its goals, the project has implemented several critical activities:
- Content Generation for the App: Comprehensive data collection, transcription, and analysis were conducted to structure the chatbot’s responses and ensure relevance to mental health concerns.
- App Development and Pilot Testing: The AkiliBora application underwent rigorous software testing to ensure functionality, usability, and effectiveness.
- Recruitment of Participants: Engagement with mental health professionals and youth helped refine intervention design and implementation.
- Stakeholder Validation: A validation workshop provided crucial feedback on the app’s potential to address youth mental health challenges.
- Website Launch: The Akili Innovative Synergy Hub website (https://akilibora.com) was launched to provide access to digital mental health resources and project updates.
Recognition and Future Growth
The project recently gained recognition as the 2nd runners-up in the ADEIN Innovation Challenge, organized by Co-Creation Hub and the African Digital Epidemiology Innovation Network (ADEIN). This achievement secured additional funding and a four-month incubation program in 2025, supporting the development of an SMS/USSD feature to extend the intervention’s reach to populations with limited internet access.
Mental Health Awareness and Support
Mental health remains a critical yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. In Kenya, stigma and limited mental health resources hinder timely intervention. By leveraging digital innovation, the AkiliBora initiative seeks to bridge this gap, offering youth a confidential, user-friendly platform to access mental health support.
Looking Ahead:
The project continues to refine and expand its intervention, with planned enhancements such as integrating additional chatbot functionalities, scaling outreach, and collaborating with policymakers and healthcare providers to ensure widespread adoption. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and technology-driven solutions, Akili Innovative Synergy Hub is paving the way for a future where youth mental health support is more accessible, effective, and stigma-free.
