Kenyan youth ranked among world's most mentally strong, better than many in Western nations

By Amina Wako
Friday, March 7, 2025

The study, which analysed more than one million responses from internet-enabled populations in 76 countries, reveals a stark contrast between Africa and the West. Mental well-being among 18- to 34-year-olds in high-income countries has plummeted since 2019.

Kenyan youth are demonstrating remarkable mental resilience compared to their peers in high-income nations, where youth mental well-being has been in steep decline since the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Mental State of the World 2024 Report by Sapien Labs, Kenyan young adults scored between 50 and 60 on the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) scale, a significantly better outcome than many Western nations.

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The study, which analysed more than one million responses from internet-enabled populations in 76 countries, reveals a stark contrast between Africa and the West. Mental well-being among 18- to 34-year-olds in high-income countries has plummeted since 2019, with no signs of recovery. In contrast, several African countries reported higher mental well-being scores, with Tanzania ranking first globally, followed closely by Nigeria and Kenya.

Despite the relatively positive scores in Africa, the report highlights that the mental health of younger adults still lags behind older generations globally. While Kenyan youth scored between 50 and 60 MHQ, their older counterparts in the country registered between 100 and 110. In contrast, South African youth fared worse, with MHQ scores between 30 and 40, aligning more closely with the declining trends in Western nations like the UK, Ukraine, and New Zealand.

Notably, the study does not measure happiness levels or track anxiety and depression alone. Instead, the MHQ assesses overall mental function, including emotional, social, and cognitive health. The report underscores that nearly half of young adults globally are experiencing serious mental distress that significantly impacts their ability to navigate life and function productively.

“Africa holds a unique advantage in youth mental health, an asset that must be actively protected as the continent undergoes rapid technological and economic shifts,” said Dr Tara Thiagarajan, Founder and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs. “With Africa’s youthful population set to play a key role in the global economy in the coming decades, governments must take proactive steps to ensure that urbanisation, digital adoption, and evolving lifestyles do not erode the mental resilience that is now setting African youth apart from the rest of the world.”

The report attributes the mental health decline among youth in high-income nations to several interconnected factors, including weaker social connections, early exposure to smartphones and digital technology, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, and greater exposure to environmental toxins.

These issues have led to a widening generational gap in mental well-being. On average, older adults worldwide (55+) scored above 100 MHQ, with populations in Africa, Central and South America, Southeast Asia, Israel, and the UAE ranking particularly high. However, for younger adults under 35, MHQ scores ranged from 5 to 71, with a global average of just 38—more than 60 points lower than their older counterparts.

“Many under-35s are merely enduring life,” the report states, noting that 41% of young adults globally are classified as distressed or struggling, experiencing multiple symptoms of mental distress that impair their daily lives.

Findings suggest that stronger community and family ties, later exposure to smartphones, and more face-to-face social interactions contribute to better mental health outcomes in African countries. However, as urbanisation and technological adoption accelerate across the continent, researchers warn that these benefits could diminish.

Dr. Thiagarajan cautioned, “For Africa, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Leaders and communities must learn from global trends and act now to preserve the mental resilience of their youth.”

She further emphasised the need to counter negative influences, such as early childhood exposure to smartphones, ultraprocessed diets, and environmental toxins. Additionally, fostering strong social and cultural bonds can help safeguard the well-being of Africa’s next generation.

The report warns that a younger population struggling with mental distress will soon dominate the global workforce as older generations retire. This could lead to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and heightened social unrest.

“The consequence of this generational shift is significant,” said Thiagarajan. “A workforce that lacks the emotional and cognitive ability to cope with daily pressures will have broader societal repercussions, from declining productivity to increased mental health crises.”

The report emphasises the urgency for governments, policymakers, and communities to take proactive measures to protect and enhance youth's mental well-being. With Africa’s population expected to play a major role in the global economy, addressing mental health challenges now will be crucial in shaping the continent’s future.