Policing is one of the most psychologically taxing
professions.
These men and women who don the uniform of Kenya’s police
service operate in a crucible of relentless stress.
Tasked with maintaining law and order, they are the first
responders to violence, crime, and social unrest, often witnessing harrowing
scenes that leave deep psychological scars.
This constant exposure to trauma, coupled with the pressure
to uphold public safety, creates a perfect storm for mental health challenges.
Studies indicate that law enforcement personnel are at a
higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression,
anxiety, and substance abuse disorders compared to the general population.
Yet, the stigma surrounding mental health within the Service
still prevents many from seeking help.
The consequences of neglecting the mental well-being of our
police officers are far-reaching.
Untreated trauma can heighten aggression and impair
judgment, potentially contributing to excessive use of force, which in turn
erodes public trust and confidence.
When officers struggle with psychological distress, their
interactions with the community may become strained, affecting the crucial
relationship between the police and the public.
Without access to proper support, many officers turn to
alcohol as a coping mechanism, while others, in extreme cases, take their own
lives.
Statistics paint a sobering picture, indicating that at
least 12,000 police officers in Kenya suffer from work-related mental health
issues, while an average of 13 murders and 11 suicides are reported annually
among police ranks. Given these realities, robust counselling and mental
wellness programmes are not a luxury — they are a necessity.
The 2018 launch of the National Police Service Psychological
Counselling Policy (NPSCP) was a landmark step in ensuring the structured
provision of mental health support.
This led to the establishment of the NPSC Counselling Unit
with robust counselling programs within the National Police Service to offer
structured psychosocial support to the officers.
Counsellors and social workers have been deployed to provide direct interventions, with their presence in various regions.
Between FY 2021 and 2024, over 64,464 cases of counselling
and psychosocial support have been handled.
This includes 3,478 cases in 2021–2022, 29,934 in 2022–2023,
and 31,052 in 2023–2024, highlighting the growing demand for these services.
Additionally, the introduction of the NPSC toll-free
counselling helpline (0800721070) is a crucial safety net for officers in
distress, especially those serving in the most remote and forward-operating
areas, where officers often face the harshest conditions and the most severe
psychological strain.
These efforts are critical in addressing the unique
challenges faced by officers stationed in high-risk and underserved locations.
The Commission acknowledges the immense support it has
received through budgetary allocations from the National Assembly and the National
Treasury.
These resources have enabled significant progress in
promoting mental health support for our officers across various regions of the
country. However, financial limitations continue to pose a substantial
challenge to the expansion and sustainability of these vital programmes.
The demand for mental health services far outweighs the
currently available resources, making it difficult to hire more counsellors and
social workers, establish wellness units, and roll out comprehensive mental
health training across the entire police service.
Notwithstanding these constraints, the Commission remains
actively engaged with relevant stakeholders to advocate for increased
investment in police mental health initiatives.
It also remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that
every officer, regardless of where they serve, has access to quality
psychological support.
This is because investing in the mental well-being of our
police officers is not just about their individual welfare; it is a matter of
national security and public safety.
Our officers protect us daily; it is our collective duty to
protect them in return.
If we fail to act, the silent burden will only grow heavier,
with dire consequences for officers, their families, and the communities they
serve.
A mentally healthy police service is more effective, more
professional in carrying out its duties, and a worthy investment of public
resources.
The writer is the
Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, National Police Service
Commission.
