Policing is one of the most psychologically taxing professions. The men and women who don the uniform of Kenya’s National 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 with the general population. Yet, the stigma surrounding mental health within the police 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. Thus 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 Counseling Policy was a landmark step in ensuring the structured provision of mental health support. This led to the establishment of NPSC Counselling Unit with robust counselling programmes within the National Police Service to offer structured psychosocial support to the officers.

Counsellors and social workers have been deployed to provide direct interventions and are present in various regions. Between fiscal years 2021 and 2024, over 64,464 cases of counselling and psychosocial support were 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 National Police Service Commission (NPSC) acknowledges the immense support it has received through budgetary allocations from the National Assembly and the 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 NPSC 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 and more professional in carrying out its duties. It deserves investment of public resources.

— The writer is the Commission Secretary and CEO of the National Police Service Commission