This study was designed to examine the point prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders among adult patients at primary care attenders in Nairobi A total sample of 186 of the 295 consecutive patients, aged 16-75 years (mean of 32.3 +/- 11.1) were studied within the period January 1990 and December 1993. Using a cross-sectional design study, they were assessed for psychiatric disorders by the Self Rating Questionnaire (SRQ), the Clinical Interview Schedule/revised (CIS-R), and the W.H.O Audit Instrument for Alcohol abuse. The final diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder was made according to DSM-111-R criteria. A matched gender analysis using Chi-squared (chi 2) test was carried out. The findings were that the overall prevalence rate of psychiatric disorder was 0.43% with an incidence of 0.43% per 1000 persons. This information can be used to provide a framework for the formulation of a more effective mental health policy.