Counsellors engage parents and students affected by school unrest in a group discussion at Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha's office in Kirigiti /ALICE WAITHERAScores of parents and students affected by recent school tragedies in Kiambu county have turned up for free counselling services offered by Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha.
The counselling programme, being offered at her Kirigiti office, targets students from Utumishi Girls and other schools affected by recent incidents, as well as parents struggling to cope with the emotional impact of the tragedies.
The steady flow of beneficiaries seeking professional help underscores the psychological toll the tragedies had on learners, families and the wider community.
Counsellors involved in the initiative have said many of those seeking help are dealing with grief, anxiety and trauma, with some parents expressing concern over changes in their children’s behaviour following the incidents.
“We are seeing a community that is hurting but willing to heal. The turnout shows that when mental health services are made accessible, people are willing to seek help,” one of the counsellors said.
Many families have welcomed the initiative, noting that access to professional counselling would otherwise be beyond their financial reach at a time when they are grappling with emotional distress.
Speaking during one of the sessions, Wamuratha said the programme is designed to ensure no affected family is denied mental health support because of financial constraints.
“I am appealing to anyone who is struggling emotionally, whether it is you, your child or a family member, to come to our office at Kirigiti. We are here to listen, support and help you through the healing process,” she said.
The Woman Representative said her office remains open to all residents seeking emotional and psychological support as communities continue to recover from the recent tragedies.
The counselling desk has been staffed with certified trauma specialists trained in handling post-traumatic stress disorder and grief-related challenges.
The sessions focus on helping students process traumatic experiences, regain emotional stability and develop healthy coping mechanisms as they return to their normal routines.
Parents are also being guided on how to identify signs of depression, anxiety and emotional distress among their children and how to seek timely intervention.
“My office remains open to all. We want families to know they are not alone as they navigate this difficult period,” Wamuratha said.
The counselling programme continues daily, with more families expected to seek support as awareness of the free service grows across the county.
