Police in Kenya could have dedicated mental institutions across the 47 counties to address the unique challenges they experience as a result of the nature of their job.

On Wednesday, August 21, Parliament met with the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to consider a range of amendments proposed by Suna West MP Peter Masara, which aim to address the mental health concerns that have bedevilled the service for years.

“The Amendment bill, sponsored by Suna West Constituency Member of Parliament Peter Masara, seeks to enhance the mandate of the Commission by giving it express authority to address mental health and wellbeing of police officers,” a statement by NPSC said on Wednesday.

During the engagement, NPSC CEO Peter Leley welcomed the amendments, stating they were coming at a time when the service was saddled with an acute shortage of resources in addressing the mental health struggles police officers undergo.

Mental health centres

The proposals by Masara include the establishment of psychosocial centres in every county at a cost of Ksh10 million which includes the construction and equipping of the centres with the required equipment and drugs.

The bill also suggests that the psychosocial centres will employ at least six counsellors each earning approximately Ksh100, 000 and at least four support staff earning approximately 30,000 each.

The MP argues that the centres will address the peculiar challenges police officers undergo including stress, trauma and violent scenes in their line of duty.

This, he states, would enhance not only their well-being but also boost their morale and enhance the performance of their duties, leading to a productive workforce.

Officers are better able to make wise decisions, defuse situations skilfully, and gain the public’s trust when they are mentally strong and resilient. This in turn contributes to enhanced public safety and better community relations,” the bill argues.

Masara notes that in their daily duties, police handle accident scenes, homicides and other violent crimes, without a proper mental health institution to counsel them on how to manage these negative situations.

The bill, he says, could be adopted by other professions that handle similar scenarios for instance nurses and the Kenya Prisons Service.

“There is a need to invest in police officers’ wellness to boost their morale since a demoralized workforce will not add value in the fight against crime,” the bill suggests.

By June 2023, over 25,000 police officers had received mental health support in various forms from the 27 counsellors tasked with the responsibility of caring for the wellbeing of thousands of police officers spread across the country.