KPS/IJM MENTAL HEALTH RETREAT OPENED IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY
A Clinical Supervision and Trauma-informed Care Retreat was opened today (2nd September 2025) by the Principal Deputy to the DIG-KPS, Mr Patrick Tito, SAIG, on behalf of the DIG-KPS, Mr Eliud Lagat, at Abai Lodge in Kirinyaga County. The four-day training programme is designed to empower and rejuvenate the 43 professional counsellors, psychologists, and chaplains in their chosen path of providing psychosocial support and mental wellness. This includes the promotion, prevention, care, and support at all levels for individual officers, their families, and the communities they serve. In a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Deputy to the DIG-KPS, the DIG-KPS thanked the International Justice Mission (IJM) for its supportive role in organizing this significant programme.
Recognising the role played by members of the National Police Service in their sworn duty as the first line of defence for the people, the DIG-KPS emphasized the need to ensure police officers remain mentally strong with the right psychosocial support systems and improved welfare. This is vital for building the desired resilience in the service of the people. The DIG-KPS pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) has long recognized the importance of mental health, having developed strategies to improve mental wellness, especially in the workplace.
DIG Lagat was keen to emphasize that members of the Service would be fully supported through the empowerment of the Directorates of Counselling and Chaplaincy. This would enable officers to navigate the challenges of highly stressful and traumatic situations while executing their duties. The DIG-KPS noted that this training programme was extremely welcome and would boost the general wellness of the Service, aligning with the 2023-2027 National Police Service Strategic Plan. Also present during the ceremony were Ms Esther Njuguna (Senior Manager, IJM); the Regional Police Commander for Central Region, Mr Samuel Ndanyi, AIG; the Head of Counselling and Psychosocial Support - KPS, Ms Evelyn Njeri, CP; and the County Police Commander for Kirinyaga, Mr Nelson Taliti, CP; amongst other senior officers.
