More than 300 police chaplains drawn from across the country have undergone specialized training aimed at equipping them to mentor, counsel and support police officers grappling with rising mental health and family-related challenges.
The training, which brought together chaplains serving in different police formations, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen officers at the grassroots level and enhance their wellbeing, performance and service to the public.
Speaking during a three-day training held in Limuru, Kiambu County, Assistant Inspector General of Police(AIG) and Director of Complaints, Inspections and Quality Assurance, Haron Nthiga, said police officers are increasingly exposed to stressful and traumatic experiences that affect their mental and emotional health.
Nthiga noted that officers often encounter distressing situations such as road accidents, violent crime scenes and prolonged deployments in hostile or high-risk areas, which can take a toll on both their professional effectiveness and family life.
He observed that police officers are human beings who go through difficult experiences in the course of duty and warned that without proper support, such challenges can affect their judgment, relationships and overall performance.
He explained that the chaplains are being trained to mentor officers, help them cope with stress and guide them back to emotional stability when affected by work-related or personal challenges, noting that the initiative complements existing counselling services within the National Police Service.
Nthiga urged officers facing personal or professional difficulties to speak out and seek help from trained counsellors, chaplains or commanders who have undergone leadership training.
On his part, Bishop Dr Kibet Kipkoech, the Chief Chaplain in the Administration Police Service, who facilitated part of the training, said the chaplains were equipped with skills to identify and support officers experiencing deep mental and emotional distress.
He noted that police officers face hardships like any other members of society and cautioned that suffering in silence only worsens mental health challenges, adding that the training is meant to strengthen the police force and, ultimately, society.
Dr Kibet acknowledged that the country still faces a shortage of chaplains but said the government has gradually increased their numbers and continues to deploy more officers to address existing gaps.
Their sentiments were echoed by Bishop John Langer, President of Go and Ministries and one of the key speakers at the forum, who said police officers undertake demanding duties and face numerous challenges, adding that they will continue to support them and ensure they maintain sound mental wellbeing as they continue to serve the public.
