The Ministry of Health took a significant step Thursday by unveiling the National Guidelines on Workplace Mental Wellness.
Acting Director General of Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, led the launch on behalf of Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nakhumicha S. Wafula in an event held at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Approximately 3.7 million Kenyans, out of 24.9 million in the workforce, grapple with mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar mood disorder.
“Workplace mental wellness has been a priority issue in the last few years. Strategic approaches to a healthy work environment involve promotion, prevention, support and care” he said at the launch that was graced by key government stakeholders.
The guidelines emphasize that everyone in any working organization should be included in the wellness journey with employees required to engage in self-care, coping skills, seeking social support and care while employers are required to enhance supportive working environment that can easily link employees to care and provide necessary resources to operationalize the guideline,
Kenya’s government has long recognized mental health’s importance, aligning reforms with the Universal Health Coverage Policy and international standards.
The Mental Health Action Plan (2021-2025) further solidifies Kenya’s commitment to mental health alongside its economic and sustainable development goals.
Dr Joyce Nato, from WHO said working people, deserve an inherent right to the highest attainable standards of mental health at work regardless of their type of employment.
A representative from the Ministry of Education hailed the policy while rooting for strategies that need to be put in place to implement positive employee well-being which will improve productivity performance and quality of life.
Lukoye Atwoli, a Professor of Psychiatry described the launch as another milestone on the journey towards better mental health for all in Kenya.
@LukoyeAtwoli it’s our responsibility to do everything we can to destigmatize suicide. It is important to talk about mental health in our homes, schools and work places. Let us be our brothers keeper. #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters pic.twitter.com/tVzw7y3HWR
— Mental Health Kenya (@MOHmentalhealth) September 14, 2023
With cases of mental health among police officers alarming, Senior Assistant Inspector General Rosemary who represented Police said the guidelines will be important for the police officers due to the nature of the work.
The National Police Service has been implementing Mental health programs as well as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Rosemary representing @IG_NPS the guidelines will be important for the police officers due to the nature of the work. Mental health programs have been implemented at the National Police Service as well as at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. pic.twitter.com/zfSxDy2XM3
— Mental Health Kenya (@MOHmentalhealth) September 14, 2023
Last year a report by NPS showed that one in every 10 police officers in the country is suffering from mental health problem.
