Nakuru County Government is actively implementing a range of preventive and promotional measures to address mental health and improve the well-being of its employees. The devolved unit's Department of Public Service has acknowledged that mental health posed a challenge across all its departments, underscoring the need for immediate action. Head of Special Programmes, Ms Teresia Nyatich indicated that they were investing in several mental wellness initiatives that were friendly to employers while creating an environment that allows workers of all cadres to freely share their personal problems and challenges at workplaces. Ms Nyatich who is a Counselling psychologist said the county government was providing psycho-educational support to its workers as there was an increasing demand for these services. "The department has launched a comprehensive campaign to sensitise employees about the dangers of alcohol and drug use, while also providing effective stress management techniques.
This initiative has seen enforcement officers from Gilgil, Naivasha and Subukia sub counties receiving training sessions, with a plan to extend the programme to other sub counties," she stated.
Ms Nyatich indicated that once a mental health issue is detected or suspected among employees, supervisors should act immediately bearing in mind that this was neither a disciplinary nor human resources issue. While acknowledging that mental health is a serious predicament in the country, she encouraged health workers to consult their superiors, peers, and family members when faced with difficult times, adding that their issues can be addressed if shared. "Mental health issues such as depression, stress, burnout, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, attention deficit hyperactivity, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder among others are a silent pandemic afflicting public servants in large proportions that no one wants to talk about. The disorders are triggered by both work related and social issues," the Head of Special Programmes stated. To create a healthy workspace, Chief Officer for Public Service Dr Charles Koech, advised supervisors to understand the unique needs of individual workers and interventions needed to protect and promote mental health in the workplace. He said Governor Susan Kihika's administration had opened up channels of communication among all cadres of employees as a way of detecting any form of stress among them and was always keen to detect any trigger that may lead to depression, stress or mental illness and act immediately. "Supervisors should check on triggers and act immediately.
Triggers may include tough assignments, financial issues, marriage wrangles, transfers, working far from friends and exposure to stresses," Dr Koech pointed out.
