Refugees In Kenya

1.0 Introduction

This chapter entails the background information, purpose/aim of the study, the specific objectives, the problem statement and rationale of the study. It gives a brief overview of the global mental health status, mental health among the refugees, what culture and service quality entail.

1.1 Background Information

According to The Global Burden of Disease project (ref), the world’s adult population is at a high risk of suffering from mental disorders or illnesses. This report indicates that there is a considerable increase in the number of adults diagnosed with mental disorders and illnesses and notably women are the most affected gender. Basically it has been estimated that overall, at least one in four to five people will

A number of factors have been found to extensively influence these elements of mental health services. These factors range from customs, lifestyles, and values, practices that define a society which also includes religion, class, economic status, language, politics and law. This study however focuses on how cultural orientation influences the perception of the mental health services particularly among the resettled refugees in Kenya. Hence the importance of a brief look in the mental health care services in

In Eastern part of the country where the largest refugee camp is situated -Dadaab- the population of the refugees residing in the dagahley camp has been estimated to be almost three hundred and thirty thousand (330,000) who basically come from our neighboring Somali, while Kakuma refugee camp situated in the Northern part of the country hosts more than two hundred thousand (200,000) refugees also fleeing from Somalia and Southern Sudan. These countries are war torn and unfortunately have citizens living under oppressive regimes or under seriously impoverished living conditions. Hence, a high number of their citizenry leave to seek asylum in countries that may offer security, basic needs and a better future for them and their