Crisis Help: Kenya
If you’re in crisis right now, you’re not alone. Help is available, free, and confidential.
⚠️ Content note: This page discusses suicide, abuse, self-harm, and violence. If this is overwhelming right now, you can just call the number below. You don’t have to read everything.
🚨 RIGHT NOW: Call This Number
Section titled “🚨 RIGHT NOW: Call This Number”Kenya Red Cross Society
Section titled “Kenya Red Cross Society”Phone: 1199 (toll-free, 24/7)
Backup: +254 703 037 000 (main switchboard, if 1199 doesn’t connect)
Website: redcross.or.ke
Hours: 24/7, 365 days a year
Cost: Toll-free (free dialing confirmed on Safaricom; may vary on other carriers)
Languages: English, Swahili
(Number verified against Kenya Red Cross and LifeLine International, June 2026.)
What happens:
- 24/7 crisis support
- Emotional support
- Trained counselors
- Confidential and non-judgmental
Other Crisis Options (Choose What Works for You)
Section titled “Other Crisis Options (Choose What Works for You)”Mental Health Crisis
Section titled “Mental Health Crisis”Kenya Red Cross: 1199 (toll-free, 24/7)
- Emotional support
Befrienders Kenya: 0722 178 177 (9am–5pm daily)
- Crisis support and suicide prevention
Psychosocial Support Organizations: Local NGOs in major cities
Suicidal Thoughts
Section titled “Suicidal Thoughts”Kenya Red Cross: 1199 (toll-free, 24/7)
- Suicide prevention
Befrienders Kenya: 0722 178 177 (9am–5pm daily)
Abuse or Violence
Section titled “Abuse or Violence”Domestic Violence:
- National Police Service (DPP): 0800 722 203
- Gender Based Violence Recovery Centers: Available in major hospitals
- Women organizations (FIDA Kenya, others)
Sexual Assault:
- Nairobi Women’s Hospital: 020-3674100 (Nairobi)
- Provincial general hospitals (check your area)
Child Abuse:
- Kenya Red Cross: 1199
- National Police Service (Child protection unit)
- ChildFund Kenya: Local offices
Youth Crisis
Section titled “Youth Crisis”Kenya Red Cross: 1199 (toll-free, 24/7)
- Support for young people
Youth-focused NGOs: Search in your city
LGBTQ+ Crisis
Section titled “LGBTQ+ Crisis”Kenya Red Cross: 1199
- Support for LGBTQ+ people (confidential)
Note: Same-sex relationships are legally restricted in Kenya. Crisis services provide confidential support.
Disability-Specific Crisis Support
Section titled “Disability-Specific Crisis Support”Kenya National Union of Disabled People (KNUDP): 020-3502000
- Support and advocacy for disabled people
Disability organizations: Local chapters in major cities
Substance Use Crisis
Section titled “Substance Use Crisis”Kenya Red Cross: 1199
- Substance use information and support
Narcotics Anonymous: Local meetings
- Peer support
By Region
Section titled “By Region”National numbers work nationwide:
Nairobi
Section titled “Nairobi”- Kenya Red Cross: 1199
- Private hospitals: multiple options
- Befrienders: 0722 178 177
Mombasa, Kisumu, Other Major Cities
Section titled “Mombasa, Kisumu, Other Major Cities”- Kenya Red Cross: 1199
- Provincial general hospitals
Rural/Remote Areas
Section titled “Rural/Remote Areas”- Kenya Red Cross nationwide
- Health centers available
Emergency: Life-Threatening
Section titled “Emergency: Life-Threatening”Immediate life-threatening danger:
- Call 999 for emergency (some networks)
- Call 112 for emergency (nationwide)
- Go to nearest hospital
- Contact police (local station)
What to Say When You Call
Section titled “What to Say When You Call”You don’t need perfect words. Just say:
- “I’m in crisis”
- “I’m thinking about suicide”
- “I need to talk to someone”
Counselors are trained to help.
Accessibility & Contact Methods
Section titled “Accessibility & Contact Methods”For Those Without Phone Access
Section titled “For Those Without Phone Access”- Email: Contact through Kenya Red Cross website
- In-person: Visit Kenya Red Cross offices in major cities
- Text/SMS: Some services available via SMS
For Multiple Languages
Section titled “For Multiple Languages”- English (primary)
- Swahili widely available
- Other local languages: Ask about support
Rural Areas
Section titled “Rural Areas”- Kenya Red Cross reaches nationwide
- Health centers available in most areas
- Mobile clinics in some regions
After You Call
Section titled “After You Call”Crisis lines help you get through RIGHT NOW. After that:
Finding Ongoing Support
Section titled “Finding Ongoing Support”Contact:
- Your nearest health center
- District hospital
- Private clinic or hospital
Mental health professionals:
- Kenya Psychiatric Association: kpa.or.ke
- University of Nairobi Teaching Hospital
- Private practitioners in major cities
Government support:
- County health department
- Ministry of Health services
Important Information
Section titled “Important Information”Most services listed are free, but cost and hours vary by service — check each one.
Many services run 24/7, but some have limited hours — check each listing.
Confidentiality
Section titled “Confidentiality”These lines are confidential. Emergency services are contacted only in cases of serious, imminent, life-threatening risk.
You Can Call Multiple Times
Section titled “You Can Call Multiple Times”Many people use crisis services multiple times. That’s normal.
You’re Not “Sick Enough” to Call
Section titled “You’re Not “Sick Enough” to Call”If you’re asking: “Am I sick enough to call?” → You are. Call.
Know Your Rights
Section titled “Know Your Rights”Disability discrimination is illegal. If a service discriminates, speak up.
Related Resources
Section titled “Related Resources”- Main Crisis Help Section
- Emergency Preparedness & Safety Planning
- Disability Rights in Kenya
Confirm each number with the service before calling; details can change.
In crisis right now? Call 1199. Everything else can wait.
Cost, confidentiality, and hours vary by service — check each listing.
Contribute to This Page
Section titled “Contribute to This Page”Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.
This page centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.