In a tragic incident on Wednesday, a 45-year-old woman died by suicide after leaping from the 19th floor of View Park Towers, a building situated off Uhuru Highway and overlooking Nairobi's Uhuru Park.

A police report obtained by the media indicates that the incident occurred around 3 p.m. on November 6. The woman reportedly left her shoes, jacket, and mobile phone on the rooftop before jumping. She fell onto a tent on the ground floor but succumbed to her injuries.

The woman had been visiting a male friend who runs a printing business in the building. According to the police report, they were having tea when she excused herself briefly, later sending him a message informing him of her decision to end her life.

Authorities documented the scene, and the woman’s body was transferred to the city mortuary for an autopsy.

This incident adds to a growing suicide crisis in Kenya. Police report nearly two cases daily, reflecting a worrying rise. Statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the National Police Service (NPS) reveal that 1,576 suicides have been recorded in Kenya over the past four years.

In response, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has been calling for urgent reforms to address mental health issues and decriminalize attempted suicide. KNCHR emphasizes the need for open dialogue, increased awareness, and stronger support systems to help those facing mental health challenges. Currently, Kenya is one of around 20 African countries where attempted suicide is still a criminal offense, which may deter many from seeking help.

However, progress is being made, with reforms such as the Mental Health (Amendment) Act of 2022, which seeks to make mental health care and counseling more accessible to Kenyans struggling with suicidal thoughts and other mental health issues.