1. An overview of MH in Kenya and its Implication
Dr Wangari Kuria

2. Introduction There is a dearth for research in Kenya
Three aspect of research are important
-Quality
Quantity
Dissemination
All the 3 aspects of research require to be addressed urgently

3. Types of research Descriptive Analytic
Most of the research in Kenya is descriptive
Few analytic research

4. Quantity
How much published data is available in peer reviewed journals and books
About 450

5. Unpublished data
There remains a lot of data collected and not published especially the dissertations

6. Gaps in research Most are descriptive Few have Qualitative data
Mostly quantative
Lack of focus on interventions and best practices that work in Kenya
Lack of link between research data and practice

7. Challenges in Research
Collaboration
Research training
Resources
Dissemination

8. Research Training Research is a science-
Training is important for the production of quality studies
Poor quality studies are a source of invalid data
Bad studies can lead to misguided interventions & policy
The quality of research in the department has improved but publications remain low

9. Dissemination
Publications: Studies that are not published are lost in the archives
The information they contain is not of value because it is inaccessible
Writing scientific manuscripts is another science

10. Summary
Not enough studies conducted to advice interventions and policy
Epidemiological Studies predominate
Inadequate scientific based knowledge on Socio-cultural and economic aspects
Challenges include:-
collaboration, inadequate resources material and personnel and lack of publications

11. The way forward Beyond anecdotal to scientific research Collaboration
Conferences
Publications-
Regional psychiatric/ psychological Journal