Psychosocial Support to Prison Officers in Kenya

The project addresses a worrying increases of cases including suicide, shootings, drugs, substance abuse, and depression among police officers working in prisons in Kenya. Both Psychology faculty and students provide counselling, therapy and strategies concerning officer’s mental health, who would in turn train their colleagues to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the proposal.

 

Dates: From: 2023 (in July in Lang’ata and in September in Kamiti).

To: 2024 (March)

 

Context: Prisons officers have been involved in many cases that would indicate the prevalence of mental health issues, like suicide, shooting of colleagues, drugs and alcohol abuse, family conflicts, and depression, among others.

 

Objectives: Solidarity action: To address the mental health and well-being of the prison officers and staff; to equip them with essential counselling skills and strategies to master their challenging work environment; to create a more resilient and capable workforce; and to enhance the overall prison environment and contribute to the rehabilitation and welfare of both inmates and officers.

Learning: Empowered with the necessary skills and strategies, police officers would be able to adjust to their challenging work environment in a positive way, giving better services, especially to the inmates.

 

Direct beneficiaries of the solidarity action: Prison staff, between 31 and 65 years old. Fifty prison offices were the direct beneficiaries of the solidarity action, whereas family members, colleagues and inmates are considered as indirect beneficiaries.

 

Type of service: Exclusively in the field

 

 

Main activities carried out by students: They facilitate various thematic sessions which include —but are not limited— to self-awareness, self-care, emotional intelligence, family relationships, the dynamics of work, and financial management, among others. They also work on programming sessions and doing a report on the progress, offering group therapy and couple’s counselling, as well as individualized counselling sessions.

 

Number of weekly hours that students dedicate to the project: 3 per week during a semester

 

Mandatory nature: It’s mandatory for undergraduates and PhD students but voluntary for others.

 

A. Students: There was a gradual shift from a student to a professional counsellor; and acquisition of basic counselling skills, personal qualities and behaviour required to deal with patients.

B. Community: The officers pointed out the positive effects that this experience has had on them, such as a great personal development in their relationship with colleagues, and especially with inmates, and a greater ability to listen and empathize.