The Mombasa County Government is set to introduce new support measures in schools after a confidential survey among secondary school students revealed growing concerns over mental health, emotional well-being, and access to drugs.
Speaking during the 49th Annual National Conference of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA), Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir said the survey was conducted to better understand the challenges affecting learners and to guide policy interventions.
The study received responses from about 12,000 students, representing a population of 30,000 learners across the county. According to the governor, the anonymous format encouraged students to openly share experiences and concerns that they may not ordinarily discuss through existing school channels.
Findings from the survey showed that nearly a quarter of respondents believed drugs and other substances were easily accessible in areas surrounding their schools. The revelation has prompted county authorities to begin consultations with education officials, community leaders and security agencies to curb the availability of drugs near learning institutions.
The survey also exposed a significant demand for mental health and counselling services among students. Many learners indicated they needed trusted individuals they could talk to about personal and emotional challenges.
In response, the county government plans to deploy professional counsellors to schools and develop targeted programmes to strengthen learner wellbeing, discipline, and emotional support systems.
Governor Nassir said the findings underscore the need for early intervention, noting that authorities should address challenges facing learners before they escalate into larger problems.
County officials are expected to continue analysing the data in collaboration with education stakeholders to identify practical solutions and improve the learning environment for students.
The survey comes amid growing calls across Kenya for increased investment in school-based counselling services, mental health programmes and preventive initiatives designed to address social and behavioural challenges among learners.
