Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha has launched a free psychological support initiative for students and parents affected by recent school tragedies, urging families grappling with trauma to seek professional counseling services at her office in Kiambu Town.
The intervention comes barely a week after a devastating fire at Utumishi Girls High School claimed the lives of 16 students, leaving survivors, parents, teachers, and communities struggling to cope with grief, fear, and emotional distress. The tragedy has reignited concerns about the mental health and wellbeing of learners affected by traumatic incidents in schools.
Speaking during a public appeal to residents, Wamuratha acknowledged the deep emotional scars left by the recent incidents and emphasized the need for professional mental health support to help children and families navigate the difficult healing process.
“The pain, fear, and trauma caused by the recent tragedies in our schools are real, and no student or parent should carry that burden alone,” she said. “If you or your child is struggling emotionally, I urge you to visit my office where a mental health specialist is waiting. We have opened our doors to offer counseling, support, and a safe space for healing.”
The Woman Representative revealed that her office has already begun attending to several affected students and is prepared to support more learners from across Kiambu County who may be experiencing post-traumatic stress, anxiety, grief, or other emotional challenges arising from the incidents.
Addressing parents directly, Wamuratha called on families not to ignore signs of trauma among children, noting that emotional wounds can persist long after a tragedy has passed.
“We already have children undergoing therapy, and we are requesting parents whose children have gone through trauma, whether from Utumishi, Gilgil, or any other school, to bring them for professional support,” she said. “The trauma may not be easy. I can only imagine what parents are going through, but together we can walk this journey of healing.”
She stressed that the counseling services are being offered free of charge through her office and are available to all Kiambu County residents regardless of the school their children attend.
Wamuratha further noted that many children may appear to be coping well on the surface while silently battling emotional distress. She urged parents, guardians, and educators to remain vigilant and seek professional help whenever necessary.
“Let us not assume that all is well. Our children need trauma therapy and emotional support so that they can recover fully and continue with their education in a healthy state of mind,” she said.
The Woman Representative’s office has stationed a mental health specialist to provide counseling and psychological support to affected families. The office is located in Kiambu Town, along the road leading toward Kirigiti, near St. Paul’s Church.
Mental health experts have consistently emphasized the importance of early intervention following traumatic events, particularly among children and adolescents, who may experience symptoms such as anxiety, nightmares, withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
As the county continues to mourn the loss of young lives and support those affected by recent school tragedies, Wamuratha reiterated her commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children and ensuring that no family faces the burden of trauma alone.
“You are not alone. We are here for you,” she said, encouraging parents to take advantage of the counseling services and prioritize the emotional wellbeing of their children.
The initiative has been welcomed by residents and education stakeholders, who view mental health support as a critical component of recovery following traumatic incidents in learning institutions.
With schools preparing to continue normal learning activities, leaders and mental health professionals alike have underscored the need for sustained psychosocial support to help students heal, regain confidence, and return to their studies with renewed resilience.
