PSC Vice-Chairperson Mary Kimonye reaffirmed the commission's commitment to mental wellness in workplaces during a panel discussion at the 5th Nation Mental Wellness and Counselling Conference in Nairobi on Friday. She highlighted the establishment of a dedicated counselling department under the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, alongside the hiring of professional counsellors to support both public officers and the general public. Kimonye noted the rising mental health challenges across public and private sectors, urging for the mainstreaming of mental wellness services to address the issue effectively.
The Chief Guest at the conference, Principal Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, underscored the government's progress in mental wellness initiatives. She announced the launch of a toll-free telephone service providing free professional counselling to public officers and members of the public, emphasizing accessibility as a key component of the strategy. The event, themed 'Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces: From Awareness to Action,' brought together stakeholders from both sectors to discuss advancements, challenges, and actionable solutions.
Kimonye also emphasized that the PSC's disciplinary processes are designed to protect public servants from discrimination or mistreatment, reinforcing a supportive work environment. The conference served as a platform for sharing best practices and recommendations, with participants stressing the importance of integrating mental health support into workplace policies. The discussions aimed to translate awareness into concrete measures for fostering mental resilience among employees.
The 5th Nation Mental Wellness and Counselling Conference highlighted the growing recognition of mental health as a critical component of organizational well-being. With the government's initiatives and collaborative efforts between public and private sectors, the focus remains on creating sustainable frameworks to address mental wellness challenges. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to prioritizing mental health as a fundamental aspect of workplace culture.