PsychX: How 2 Kenyans Developed Tech Solution for Mental Health from Rwandan Incubation
- The COVID-19 pandemic hit many Kenyans, increasing the risk of mental illness among communities
- Mental State of the World Report 2024 showed that on a 0-100 mental health quotient scale, Kenyan young adults scored between 50 and 60
- To solve challenges related to mental health access, two Kenyans decided to use technology to ensure support for mental health victims
- Dr Theophilus Juma, the co-founder of PsychX, explained to TUKO.co.ke how the technology has helped improve access in Kenya
TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate, and health reporting, which offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
In October 2022, two Kenyans, Dr Theophilus Juma and Freda Mutune, took a bold step to address a growing crisis in their home country - mental health.
Source: UGC
Dr Juma and Mutune came up with the idea in the heart of Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem.
How Juma and Mutune established PsychX
Born out of the Jasiri Talent Investor Programme and powered by the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies, Dr Juma and Mutune established PsychX, an AI-powered digital platform, which delivers personalised, affordable mental health support within a click of a button.
The platform aimed to respond to the emotional and psychological devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reports indicated that during the pandemic, one in every four Kenyans was grappling with a mental health condition. This was not just a statistic, but a call to action from people like Dr Juma and Mutune.
“This was a crisis to the communities we live in. People were suffering in silence. We knew we had to make help accessible, confidential, and culturally relevant,” said Dr Juma in an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke.
Armed with a $10,000 (KSh 1.3 million) seed grant from Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies, the duo began a rigorous process—conducting market research, validating the scope of the problem, prototyping their solution, which eventually launched PsychX.
How PsychX use technology for mental health
Juma noted that PsychX leverages artificial intelligence to match users with therapists based on their personal preferences, availability, and access needs.
"This creates a seamless process, where users are matched within just four minutes, and therapy can begin confidentially using Therapy Optimization Tokens (TOTs), a discreet entry system that reduces stigma," he said.
The doctor added that the platform supports users with disabilities by integrating screen readers and sign language options, ensuring no one is left behind.
“Available 24/7, PsychX is reshaping how mental health is accessed, especially in workplaces where stigma has long kept the conversation underground.
“Misinformation and cultural myths around mental illness continue to be barriers. But by fostering community, training thousands in self-care, and adapting our services to fit different cultural contexts, we’re seeing real change."
Source: UGC
How many Kenyans have benefited
Dr Juma revealed that PsychX has facilitated over 1,000 therapy sessions across East Africa, trained more than 5,000 individuals in mental wellness, and secured partnerships with two major corporate clients for the past three years.
“At PsychX, we have partnered with two corporate organizations, enhancing their employee productivity through mental wellness initiatives. Furthermore, we have created job opportunities for more than 20 mental health professionals,” he added.
He said the company targets more than 50,000 youth and partners with at least 100 companies to embed mental health into their employee wellness strategies.
Dr Juma said PsychX plans to reduce the burden of mental illness in Kenya and Africa at large by 30%, championing resilience and productivity across the continent.
He said the company’s vision is not just about therapy—it’s about transformation.
“In a region where mental health often goes unspoken, PsychX is turning silence into support, stigma into strength, and technology into healing. By prioritizing mental well-being, we aim to enhance workplace productivity, reshape corporate cultures, and drive long-term economic impact,” he assured.
Kenyans' state of mental health
In related news, TUKO.co.ke reported that the Kenyan youths show resilience in mental health.
According to the Mental State of the World Report 2024, on a 0-100 mental health quotient scale, Kenyan young adults scored between 50 and 60.
This placed them in a better mental state compared to their peers in high-income nations, where youth mental well-being has been in steep decline since the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Wycliffe Musalia (Business Editor) Wycliffe Musalia is a Business Editor at TUKO.co.ke, with over six years of experience in digital media. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University. Before joining TUKO.co.ke, Musalia worked as an editorial intern at Standard Media Group. Musalia has completed the full Google News Initiative (GNI) News Lab Advance digital reporting workshop. He has also undergone Procurement Fraud and Public Finance Management Training conducted by the Kenya Editors’ Guild. You can get in touch with Musalia via mail: wycliffe.musalia@tuko.co.ke.
Jackson Otukho (Copyeditor) Jackson Otukho is a multi-media journalist and current affairs editor at TUKO.co.ke. In 2019, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Media Science from Moi University. He has over seven years of experience in digital and print media. He initially worked as a news editor at Standard Media Group (2014-2017) and Citizen TV (2019 May- 2019 September). Through his career, he has won several awards, including the editor with the cleanest copy and with the most social media engagement. Mail: jackson.otukho@tuko.co.ke
