Behind the money:The silent mental health crisis facing Kenyans working abroad

For many Kenyans working abroad, the pressure to send money home does not end when the transfer is made. It can become a constant mental burden the feeling that too many people are depending on you, while nobody knows how much you are struggling yourself.

The pressure to keep providing

A worker may be dealing with exhaustion, an uncertain job, difficult working conditions or financial problems, yet still feel unable to tell family members that they are running out of strength. From home, the expectation can simply be that money will arrive at the end of the month.

That pressure can create anxiety. What happens when the salary is delayed? What if working hours are reduced? What if the contract ends? For someone supporting children, parents, siblings or other relatives, the possibility of not sending money can become a source of constant worry.

The loneliness of being far from home

There is also the emotional weight of being away from home. Missing children growing up, family celebrations, friendships and everyday life can create loneliness and homesickness. Some workers may spend their days surrounded by people but still feel emotionally isolated because they have no close support system in the country where they work.

The workplace itself can add another layer of stress. Long hours, demanding jobs, inadequate rest, unfamiliar environments and discrimination can affect both mental and physical wellbeing. When the body is constantly tired, there may be little energy left to process emotions or ask for help.

Yet many workers continue to present themselves as successful. Families may see the money, gifts and achievements but not the anxiety, sleepless nights or emotional exhaustion behind them.

A difficult workplace, an exhausted mind

This raises an important mental-health question: what happens psychologically when a person feels responsible for everyone at home while having no room to admit that they are struggling?

The issue is not simply whether migrant workers can afford to send money. It is whether they can continue carrying the emotional responsibility that comes with being the person everyone depends on.

Behind every remittance may be a person who is coping, struggling, or silently reaching their limit.

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