ISSUP Regional Coordinator for Africa, Radolf Nortey, visited Nairobi, Kenya, from 14–16 September 2026 for a series of engagements aimed at strengthening partnerships and supporting the work of ISSUP Kenya.
Hosted by the ISSUP Kenya Executive Committee, youth members and Director Dr Pamela Kaithuru, the visit provided an opportunity to engage with key national institutions working across mental health, counselling, professional regulation and substance use, while exploring opportunities for closer collaboration and workforce development.
As part of the visit, the ISSUP delegation held a series of courtesy engagements with stakeholders in Nairobi. At the Ministry of Health’s Division of Mental Health, the delegation was received on behalf of Dr Mercy Karanja by Dr Jebet Boit, Dr Priscilla Makau and Mercy Kamau. Discussions focused on areas of shared interest and opportunities to strengthen collaboration around substance use, mental health and workforce capacity development.
The delegation also visited the Directorate of Counselling and Wellness, where discussions were held with Secretary Willis Ombima and Counsellors Kitheka and Stacy, as well as the Counsellors and Psychologists Board, where the team met with CEO Dr Matilda. The engagements provided an opportunity to introduce ISSUP’s work, learn more about the priorities of the respective institutions and explore areas for future collaboration.
Across the meetings, discussions highlighted the close relationship between substance use and mental health and the importance of strengthening the workforce. The engagements also provided an opportunity to position ISSUP Kenya as a platform for connecting professionals, institutions and partners with national, regional and international opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity development.
The visit concluded on 16 September with participation in the National Summit on Mental Wellness, Physical Activity and Sport Pre-Summit Breakfast, convened by the Youth Initiative Development Programme (YIDP) in collaboration with partners.
The discussions at the summit highlighted the potential of sport and physical activity to contribute to prevention and wellbeing, particularly among young people, while recognising the importance of evidence-based approaches, early intervention and appropriate support for those experiencing substance use or mental health challenges.
The Kenya visit reflects ISSUP’s wider commitment to supporting National Chapters to build strong national partnerships and connect the substance use and crime prevention workforce with other sectors that influence health and wellbeing. It also demonstrated the important role ISSUP Kenya can play in bringing together professionals and institutions across prevention, treatment, recovery, supply control, law enforcement, counselling and youth development.
ISSUP extends its appreciation to Dr Pamela Kaithuru, the ISSUP Kenya Executive Committee and youth members for coordinating and supporting the visit, and to all the institutions and partners who welcomed the delegation and contributed to the discussions.
The relationships strengthened during the visit provide a foundation for continued collaboration as ISSUP Kenya works to expand its national network and contribute to a stronger, better-connected substance use and supply control workforce in Kenya.
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