MPs Rally Behind Bill Seeking to Establish Psychosocial Support Centers for Wellbeing of Police Officers
Estimated Reading Time: 3min
In a significant and compassionate move, legislators have overwhelmingly rallied behind the National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, a landmark piece of legislation that seeks to fundamentally address the mental wellness of Kenya's police officers . Sponsored by Suna West MP, Hon. Peter Masara, the bill represents a paradigm shift, acknowledging the immense psychological toll of policing and mandating the establishment of psychosocial support centres across the country.
For too long, the mental scars borne by our men and women in blue have been an open secret. They are the first to confront traumatic scenes, from violent crimes to fatal accidents, yet structured psychological support has been conspicuously absent. This bill, which passed its crucial second reading with broad cross-party support, aims to change that by legally embedding mental health care into the fabric of our police service. The proposed legislation recognizes the unique challenges of policing, where officers operate in high-stress environments, alternating between law enforcement and public service while facing life-threatening situations.
The bill is a targeted amendment to the National Police Service Commission Act of 2011. Its core provisions are both practical and transformative. It mandates the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to prioritize mental health support, structured counseling, and wellness programs. A key clause requires the Commission to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to provide mental health services tailored to the unique needs of police officers . If approved, the National Treasury will be mandated to allocate specific funding for these vital mental health initiatives within the police service.
The debate in the National Assembly was marked by a powerful and rare consensus, with MPs from across the political spectrum speaking in one voice about the urgency of this law. Hon. Dido Rasso, Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs, stated, “As legislators and leaders in this country, I think if there's a profession that we have given a raw deal in this land, it's for our men and women in blue – police officers. This amendment is progressive; it is also forward-looking”.
Other members passionately highlighted the harrowing experiences police officers endure. Hon. Cathrine Wambilianga movingly pointed out, “When there's an accident on the road, they are the ones we call to remove the bodies... But at the end of the day, nobody seeks to sit down and counsel them.” She noted that officers often return home stressed and that such situations can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes like suicide. Hon. Rachel Nyamai stressed the importance of adequate funding, stating, “We have a very good Police Service Commission, we have very good officers but what can they do without proper funding?” The mover of the Bill, Hon. Peter Masara, framed it as addressing a critical oversight. "Numerous studies, including the recent Mental Health Taskforce Report of 2020 have examined the germane aspect of mental health, but have overlooked the mental health of police officers," he said. "The proposed Bill therefore gives the National Police Service Commission various mandates aimed at promotion of the mental health of police officers".
This legislative effort acknowledges a truth that is too often ignored: protecting those who protect us is not just a moral imperative, but a practical one. A police service that is psychologically healthy is more professional, more effective, and better able to serve the community with empathy and resilience. As the bill moves forward, it carries the hope of fostering a healthier, stronger police service for all Kenyans.
