The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), being a key player in the police reforms journey has been prioritizing initiatives aimed at professionalizing the police service, in line with its mandate.
The Authority has formulated and submitted several policies and recommendations to various state and non-state stakeholders over the years to advance the reform process.
On Wednesday 21st August 2024, IPOA made submissions to the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, towards the improvement of the National Police Service Commission Bill, 2024.
The Bill, introduced by Suna West legislator, Peter Masara, seeks the amendment of the NPSC Act of 2011 to empower the Commission to “provide police officers with mental health and wellness resources and in every county, establish well-equipped centres in offices, camps, training colleges and communities for police officers to receive psychosocial support.”
If passed, the Bill will introduce provisions for the mental wellness and well-being of police officers, including the establishment of psychosocial support centres to provide police officers with access to professional mental health services. IPOA strongly welcomed the legislative initiative as a necessary and timely intervention to address the mental health challenges within the Service.
Submitting the Authority’s proposals on amendments to the Bill, IPOA Commissioner Doreen Muthaura, MBS, noted that IPOA had in 2021, undertaken a comprehensive research study titled “Murders and Suicides in the National Police Service: An analysis on Causes and Prevention Strategies.”
The study provided a detailed examination of the mental health challenges faced by police officers, identifying key factors contributing to the alarming suicide rates and murders within the Service.
Ms. Muthaura said that for the initiative to be effective, the Commission needs to consult and work with the Inspector General of Police and the Kenya Board of Mental Health to establish psychosocial units and formulate programs to promote the mental health and well-being of police officers.
She reiterated the need for sufficient financial allocation to the IG’s office to help address the pertinent matter.
“In operationalizing Chapter 66 of NPS Standing Orders, the IG and respective DIGs should be given sufficient funds to provide for wellness and psychosocial support, including reviving police canteens, sports initiatives recreational facilities among others, to allow officers to unwind,” said Commissioner Muthaura.
She also called for embedding a counselling department and the introduction of a comprehensive medical cover in the Service to cater for police officers’ mental health, as well as the adoption of other recommendations recently made by the Presidential Taskforce on Police Reforms, spearheaded by Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga.
IPOA Commissioner JM. Waiganjo called for vibrant advocacy from the NPSC, to counter police condemnation which impacts their mental well-being negatively.
“NPS is the most condemned institution in this country and this takes a toll on the officers. It is therefore necessary for NPSC to have vibrant advocacy to counter police condemnation to improve their mental health. It is also key that the Commission’s budget is increased to support representation,” Commissioner Waiganjo concluded.
Police reforms are designed to deliver high-quality policing services and promote professionalism, and the realization of these objectives is fundamentally reliant on the mental wellness of police officers.