Events

The stakeholders workshop held on June 5, 2024, aimed to gather feedback on the utilization of a chatbot for depression and suicide prevention, and to discuss additional resources and tools for mental health assessment. Overall, the workshop was well-received by participants, who provided detailed and constructive feedback.
The relevance and helpfulness of the workshop were particularly noted, with many participants highlighting the importance of early screening, diagnosis, and referral in mental health care. A significant takeaway from the workshop was the recognition of the PHQ-9 as a valuable tool for assessing depression. Participants also noted the benefits of using chatbots and self-administered questions, especially for students who may find it challenging to express themselves. The emphasis on self-awareness and early detection of depression resonated with many attendees, emphasizing the critical role of technology in mental health support.

Dr. Faith Mueni Musyoka holds a PhD in Information Technology and is committed to leveraging emerging technologies for transformative applications in healthcare and education. She has secured grant funding from the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) and the National Research Fund Kenya (NRF) for a project focused on the early detection and prevention of depression and suicide among university students.

As the team lead, Dr. Musyoka presented the Akilibora mobile app (www.akilibora.com), a chatbot-driven solution, at the ADEIN Innovation Challenge, hosted by Co-Creation Hub and the African Digital Epidemiology Innovation Network (ADEIN). The app impressed the judging panel with its potential to address critical public health challenges in Africa. After a 4-week virtual workshop and mentorship program, the project earned 3rd place (2nd runners-up), receiving $1,250 and a 4-month incubation

Dr. Faith Mueni Musyoka holds a PhD in Information Technology and is committed to leveraging emerging technologies for transformative applications in healthcare and education. She has secured grant funding from the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) and the National Research Fund Kenya (NRF) for a project focused on the early detection and prevention of depression and suicide among university students.

As the team lead, Dr. Musyoka presented the Akilibora mobile app (www.akilibora.com), a chatbot-driven solution, at the Uganda Symposium along other researchers.

On 22^nd and 23^rd October 2024, the Akilibora project team from University of Embu represented by Dr. Faith Mueni Musyoka, Dr. Collins Asweto, and Mr. Arthur Onyango, participated in the Kenya Psychological Counselling Association (KPCA) International Scientific Conference on Suicide Prevention. The event provided an invaluable platform to showcase the Akilibora mobile application, highlighting its potential as a digital solution for early detection and prevention of depression and suicide among Kenyan youth.

The conference also allowed us to network with leading experts and professionals in the field of mental health and counselling. Through these engagements, we identified potential partnerships with counselling associations, people with lived experience, and other stakeholders. These collaborations are expected to enhance the scope and impact of the Akilibora app by integrating it with existing mental health care services and expanding its reach to underserved populations.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the National Research Fund (NRF) and the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) for their support in facilitating our participation in this impactful conference.

On 18th November 2024, the University of Embu hosted a successful Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) exercise for the NRF-funded project titled A Digital Intervention for the Prevention and Early Detection of Depression and Suicide Among the Youth in Kenya. The exercise was conducted by a team from the National Research Fund (NRF) and the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), alongside the project team led by Dr. Faith Mueni Musyoka.

The M&E session provided an opportunity to present the progress of the project, including the development of the Akilibora mobile application, its key features, and its impact. The project team shared insights into the milestones achieved, such as the content generation process, the launch of the Akili Innovative Synergy Hub website (akilibora.com), and recognition in the ADEIN Innovation Challenge, where the project secured funding to expand its features for last-mile populations.

As part of the exercise, the project team expressed their gratitude for the insights and feedback from NRF and ACTS. The exercise reaffirmed the potential of the Akilibora mobile app to revolutionize mental health care among Kenyan youth and underscored its scalability for broader impact.

The University of Embu remains committed to leveraging this project to improve mental health awareness, early detection, and timely interventions across Kenya.

On 21st June 2025, the University of Embu , Mount Kenya University, and TINADA Youth Action Africa held a collaborative workshop to share findings from a joint study on the Akilibora mobile application a mental health tool designed to reduce depression and suicidality among youth.

The workshop aimed to:

• Provide stakeholders with feedback on the study’s performance
• Validate key findings
• Collect recommendations for scaling the app

Key presentations highlighted the app’s effectiveness in improving mental health outcomes, its feasibility for broad implementation, and its commercial potential. Notably, 95% of young participants expressed willingness to use the app, with many open to low-cost access models.

Recommendations included:

• Integrating human and AI support
• Enhancing accessibility through USSD/SMS options
• Prioritizing data privacy and ethical compliance
• Ensuring cultural relevance
• Strengthening referral pathways and partnerships
• Conducting economic evaluations
• Running awareness campaigns
• Optimizing pricing to balance impact and sustainability

Participants also emphasized improving app personalization, building stronger community features, and enhancing emotional intelligence within the interface. The event closed with reflections on the journey of the Akili Bora project and a shared commitment to its future development.