NAIROBI, Kenya – The government is integrating mental health support into ongoing police reforms, acknowledging the psychological toll of law enforcement work, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has said.
Speaking during an interview, Omollo highlighted that the reforms extend beyond improving salaries and working conditions.
They also aim to address the mental well-being of officers, following a series of tragic incidents linked to psychological distress.
“You have seen cases where police officers turn their guns on colleagues or even themselves. This is largely due to the work pressure and the environment they operate in,” Omollo noted. “We have now incorporated mental health support as part of the ongoing reforms.”
As part of the initiative, the government is reviewing the police training curriculum to create a more well-rounded officer.
The nine-month training at the Kiganjo Police Training College will now include mental health interventions to equip officers with resilience and coping mechanisms.
Had an engaging and insightful discussion on @SpiceFMKE, delving into critical issues surrounding internal security, administration and the management of Kenya’s borders. Our conversation explored the delicate balance between internal and external security, highlighting the…
Beyond mental health, the reforms will also leverage technology to enhance policing efficiency.
Omollo emphasized the growing challenge of cybercrime, including cyberbullying and the distribution of explicit content, particularly to minors.
He stressed the need to equip officers with digital forensic skills to tackle evolving crimes.
With these reforms, the government hopes to build a more capable and psychologically resilient police force, better prepared for modern security challenges.
