ODM party leader Hon. Raila Odinga and Suna West Mp Peter Marara at the delegates meeting
Mental Health is gradually progressing among Kenyans but worryingly becoming rampant among police officers.
In a move to address this concern, Suna West Member of Parliament Peter Masara came up with a Bill proposal to amend the National Police Service Commission Act, 2011.
The primary objective of the bill is to make provision for the mental wellness and the well- being of police officers including but not limited to the establishment of psychological support centers for police officers.
” Insertion of a new section 12(A) to mandate the National Police Service Commission and the Inspector General to provide police officers with mental health and establish well- equipped centres in offices, camps, training colleges and communities for police officers to receive psychological support,” states the proposal.
The Bill acknowledges that in executing their roles police officers work in multifaceted roles alternating between law enforcement and public service while it mandates the National Police Service Commission to promote mental health of Law enforcers and police officers.
The Legislator shedding more light on the proposal stressed that police officers are the first respondents to societal problems like violence, robbery, demonstrations and assault that poses traumas that may lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Masara further added that police officers in case of mental defect are quite dangerous to the surrounding community since they are armed with guns and may use it to victimize the community in an emotional outburst.
He cited several reported cases of police assault to close people such as wives, lovers or even fellow colleagues.
National Police Service Commission (NPSC) reveals that over 40,000 police officers battle with mental health and it is critical that both the government and non- governmental institutions to intervene before it becomes destructive.
The amendment also seeks to create awareness among citizens in a bid to address the stereotypical societal perspective about police officers expected to be brave against all odds which differs with the normal human behavior of vulnerability to some situations in life.
The Bill comes as a reminder to government to hasten in implementing the police reforms aimed at improving the sector for the common good of the country.
The government through NPSC has set up a centralized counselling center at its Nairobi headquarters to offer mental health support while building of more centers in the country are underway.
Upon the enactment of the bill the government will spend in building the psychosocial support centers in every county for efficiency in helping the law enforcers seek help and counselled on how to navigate through the harsh waves of life while finding a balance at work and social life.
The Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo while speaking in devolpment meeting with partners on June 6, 2024, reveals that the government has committed about Ksh6.5billion in the next financial year for the implementation of police reforms including moves to improve the welfare and working conditions of officers among other things.
Commendable some non-governmental organizations creating awareness about the vulnerability of police officers like the Dr.Danchumbul ‘Rehab Wheels’ initiated a program called ‘Askari ni binadamu wanahitaji upendo’ an awareness campaign drive and also providing psychological counselling services to police officers with mental issues.
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