About Us

Our Story

FOUNDED BY YOUTH, FOR YOUTH

Bold Minds Africa began as a simple idea in 2024, sparked by Paul Okoth's experiences in public health and grounded in a deep concern for the silent mental health struggles of young people in Kenya's rural areas. With the support of McGovarn Kamau, a passionate advocate for youth wellbeing, the idea grew into a shared vision: a mentally healthy generation of empowered young people thriving in inclusive, resilient, and supportive communities. What began as a personal mission quickly grew into a collective movement, rallied by the support of 33 Kenyan youth who believed in the power of mental wellness and community healing. These young changemakers became the founding members of Bold Minds Africa.

Mental health is not a privilege; it's necessary for young people to prosper, lead, and build meaningful futures. Bold Minds Africa exists to shift the narrative. We draw from our lived experiences, community knowledge, and a growing body of public health research to design practical, culturally responsive programs that address mental health challenges in our communities. Together, we are building safe spaces, nurturing bold voices, and championing a generation that is mentally strong, socially aware, and unafraid to dream.

Community Engagement
Community Engagement
Youth Empowerment
Youth Empowerment
Mental Health Awareness
Mental Health Awareness

Our Core Values

Compassion

We approach all our work with empathy and understanding, creating a safe and supportive environment where young people feel heard, valued, and cared for.

Inclusivity

We embrace diversity and ensure that all youth, regardless of background, gender, ability, or identity, have equal access to mental health support and opportunities.

Collaboration

We believe in the power of partnerships and shared efforts to maximize impact.

Accountability

We are committed to transparency, ethical practice, and being answerable to the youth we serve, our partners, and the community at large.

Agile

We are adaptable and quick to adjust our approaches to respond to the evolving needs of the community we serve.

Integrity

We uphold honesty, fairness, and strong moral principles in everything we do.

Our Mission, Vision & Goal

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Our Mission

To empower young people in underserved communities by providing knowledge, tools, and sustained support to build mental resilience, promote emotional well-being, and ensure equitable access to community-led and evidence-based mental health services.

Our Vision

A mentally healthy generation of empowered young people thriving in inclusive, resilient, and supportive communities.

Our Goal

To foster mental health and emotional resilience among youth by delivering education, raising awareness, strengthening capacity, and ensuring access to community-led and evidence-based mental health services.

Youth Mental Health Matters

Tackling a Global Health Burden

Kenya's Youth Mental Health Crisis

With more than 80% of Kenya's population between the ages of 18 and 35, youth mental health is in crisis. Research shows that 75% of psychiatric disorders in adults begin before the age of 24, making timely mental health support during youth critical.

Youth with untreated mental illnesses are more likely to drop out of school, engage in risky behaviors, and develop substance use problems. They also face an increased risk of self-harm and suicide, which is now the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds worldwide.

Barriers in Siaya County

In rural areas like Siaya County, young people face even greater barriers: stigma, limited awareness, and a near-complete lack of mental health professionals and services. The entire county is served by just one psychiatric nurse and only one government facility offering mental health services for over 327,000 youths.

Coupled with high poverty levels and cultural taboos, many young people suffer in silence, leading to school dropout, substance use, self-harm, and even suicide.

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% of Kenya's population is aged 18-35

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% of psychiatric disorders begin before age 24

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psychiatric nurse serves Siaya County

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youths in Siaya County