National Assembly approves Bill to establish mental health centres for police officers in all counties
The legislation ensures that the Commission can oversee recruitment, training, promotion and other human resource matters while collaborating with the Ministry of Health to provide tailored mental health services.
The National Assembly has approved the National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, a move designed to strengthen the mental health and overall well-being of police officers across Kenya.
The legislation mandates the Commission to set up well-equipped centres in all counties and provide structured mental health and wellness services to officers.
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Sponsored by Suna West MP Peter Masara, the Bill amends the National Police Service Commission Act, 2011, introducing formal definitions for “psychosocial support” and “wellness.”
According to the Bill, psychosocial support refers to attention given to an individual’s mental state in relation to social factors, while wellness entails practising healthy habits to achieve better physical and mental health.
Under the new provisions, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), in consultation with the Inspector General, is required to establish psychosocial support units and centres in police offices, camps, training colleges and communities in every county. These centres will offer resources and programmes aimed at promoting officers’ mental health and overall wellness.
“The primary objective of the National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is to provide for the mental wellness and well-being of police officers, including the establishment of psychosocial support centres,” reads the Bill.
The Bill also empowers the NPSC to play a more direct role in disciplinary matters. It will monitor compliance with disciplinary procedures, review actions taken by the Inspector General, and hear appeals from officers on disciplinary issues.
The legislation ensures that the Commission can oversee recruitment, training, promotion and other human resource matters while collaborating with the Ministry of Health to provide tailored mental health services.
Masara highlighted the unique pressures police officers face in their duties.
“Police officers operate in environments where they balance law enforcement with public service, often facing danger or life-threatening situations to protect others. The Bill recognises these challenges and seeks to ensure officers receive the support necessary to maintain mental health,” he said.
The Bill states that it does not affect county government functions, as policing is a national government responsibility, and it does not delegate legislative powers or limit fundamental rights. It is classified as a money Bill under Article 114 of the Constitution.
By formally embedding mental health support within the legal framework, the National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, represents a landmark step in addressing the psychological well-being of Kenya’s police force.
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