When Dr. Soud Alli Tengah walked across the stage at United States International University–Africa (USIU) on September 28, 2025, to receive his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, the applause that followed marked more than an academic achievement. It was a tribute to nearly two decades of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to transforming mental health care in Kenya—especially in the coastal region, where stigma, limited access, and cultural misconceptions continue to hinder mental well-being progress.
Born and raised in Majengo, Mombasa, Dr. Tengah’s journey began with a deep concern for the emotional and psychological suffering he witnessed in his community. Substance abuse and chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS, and cancer were often misunderstood, attributed to curses, witchcraft, or moral failure. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia were rarely addressed clinically. This gap in understanding and care inspired him to pursue a career that would blend scientific rigor with cultural sensitivity.
Dr. Soud Tengah’s academic and professional journey reflects a purposeful evolution from pharmacy into advanced clinical psychology, driven by a commitment to tackling behavioral health challenges. He began with a Diploma in Pharmacy from Mombasa Polytechnic (now Technical University of Mombasa), which laid the groundwork for understanding medical systems and patient care. Recognizing the urgent need to address substance use in his community, he pursued specialized training through a Diploma in Drug Addiction Counselling from SAPTA and Médecins du Monde’s in Tanzania, equipping him with targeted skills in addiction management, relapse prevention, and psychosocial support.
This training became a cornerstone of his early clinical work. In 2013, after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Dr. Tengah began providing behavioral counselling to individuals affected by substance use, HIV, and Cancer, marking the start of a 15-year career rooted in compassion and evidence-based practice. His Master of Science in Applied Psychology (Mental Health) from the University of Liverpool (2018) further refined his clinical acumen and broadened his global perspective on mental health systems.
Advancing to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at USIU–Africa (2020–2025), his research explored the intersection of substance use, depression, and anxiety among young adults in Kenya’s coastal region. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach, Dr. Tengah and his team revealed a high prevalence of co-occurring mental health conditions (64.2%), poor social functioning, and polydrug use—highlighting critical systemic gaps, including a shortage of mental health professionals and reliance on informal healing networks
Dr. Tengah’s professional career reflects a steady rise through technical and leadership roles that have shaped Kenya’s public health and mental health landscape. From 2012 to 2016, he served as Regional Programme Coordinator for the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), overseeing Global Fund health programming across six coastal counties. Additionally, he provided leadership on the core program of KRCS, including disaster preparedness and response, youth program, and organisational development at the helm of the Mombasa County operations.
He built partnerships with government agencies, the private sector, and NGOs, strengthening civil society organizations to deliver integrated health and humanitarian services.
At Jhpiego (2016–2021), an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, he provided strategic direction for HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health programs. His work focused on scaling up PrEP, an innovative HIV intervention, adolescent health services, and community-based interventions across Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta.
Between 2021 and 2023, Dr. Tengah worked with CIHEB Kenya under USAID’s Stawisha Pwani project as Technical Advisor for Medical Assisted Therapy and Mental Health Psychosocial Support. He mentored multidisciplinary teams, supported health facilities across five counties, and led strategic planning and advocacy campaigns to strengthen mental health and substance use services.
Dr. Tengah’s clinical journey began in 2013, immediately after earning his undergraduate degree in Counselling Psychology. He began providing psychosocial support to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, cancer, and substance use disorders, offering behavioural counselling services and addiction recovery services. His early work laid the foundation for a career rooted in both clinical expertise and community engagement.
Recognizing the vulnerability of adolescents and youth, he pioneered school-based counselling programs across Mombasa County. These initiatives addressed a wide spectrum of issues, including self-esteem, relationships, early pregnancy, substance use, and juvenile delinquency. Through group sessions, peer mentorship, and teacher sensitization, he helped create safe spaces for young people to explore their challenges and build resilience.
Building on this foundation, Dr. Tengah’s clinical practice strengthened in 2020 when he began serving as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Aga Khan Hospital, Wellcare Medical, and Chiromo Mental Hospital in Mombasa. In these roles, he provides psychotherapy and clinical assessments across developmental stages, applying evidence-based approaches tailored to the lived realities of his patients.
He also leads Mental Health Innovations & Research (MEHIR), a consultancy focused on staff wellbeing, mental health programming, and mentorship. Through MEHIR, he supports organizations in designing and implementing mental health strategies that are scalable, sustainable, and culturally responsive.
With over 15 years of hands-on experience, Dr. Tengah’s clinical work continues to bridge technical expertise with community relevance—ensuring that mental health care is accessible, impactful, and rooted in the social fabric of those it serves.
At the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), Dr. Tengah has blended academic and administrative leadership. As a lecturer (2022–2025), he taught courses on addiction psychology, counselling for special needs, and correctional institution interventions. In June 2025, he was appointed Head of the Counselling Department, where he oversees mental health services for students, staff, and faculty.
One of his notable achievements at TUM is the development of a digital mental health platform, expanding access to counselling and psychosocial support across the university community.
Beyond his formal positions, Dr. Tengah has pursued advanced professional training in Global Health Research, Project Management, and Leadership and Management in Global Health at the University of Washington, as well as Human Subject Research protections at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These additional credentials reflect his commitment to marrying academic rigor with practical solutions.
[Dr. Soud Ali Tengah he earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, during a past mental health awareness forum at the Coast Water and Services Board. Photo/Ahmed Omar/October, 06, 2025].
Colleagues describe him as resilient and focused, a leader who “sets his eyes on the prize” and delivers with integrity. For many in his community, he represents hope in a region where mental health challenges are often stigmatised or overlooked.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Tengah expressed gratitude to his mentors, colleagues, patients, and family. “This journey has been filled with growth, resilience, and purpose,” he said during his graduation celebration. “Your support has been the foundation of every milestone.”
Looking ahead, his vision is clear: to advance community-based mental health education, integrate services into primary health care, and build the capacity of health workers across Kenya. He also advocates for collaboration with traditional and faith healers to strengthen referral pathways, recognizing the central role they play in many communities. Just as importantly, he hopes to mentor the next generation of clinicians and expand youth mental health support, steering young people away from substance abuse and crime while nurturing their potential.
For Dr. Tengah, the doctorate is not an endpoint but a stepping stone. “This achievement belongs to my community as much as it belongs to me,” he reflected, his face marked with both joy and deep contemplation. As Kenya confronts the rising tide of mental health challenges, his story is a reminder that personal achievement can translate into collective progress — healing minds, empowering communities, and inspiring the next generation.
