The Public Service Commission (PSC) has raised concern over mental health in Kenya’s civil service, describing it as one of the biggest threats facing government workers.
The commission said depression, substance abuse, domestic disputes and financial constraints are among the major causes linked to the problem.
The PSC said police officers are the worst hit, with a disturbing pattern of related suicide cases reported among some officers. The commission said some of these cases have involved officers killing their spouses and family members before turning their weapons on themselves.
The concerns were raised in Naivasha during an engagement with human resource directors drawn from various government departments on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. PSC Commissioner Boya Molu said the government has activated counselling units to assist civil servants dealing with mental health challenges.
“If people are mentally unstable, it affects them, but it is something that all state departments give special attention to; they are always assisted,” PSC Commissioner Boya Molu said.
Counselling units activated across government
Molu explained that mental health has been given special attention across government departments because of its effect on workers. He said civil servants facing mental health challenges are assisted through the available support systems.
The commission said the mental health concerns are linked to several challenges affecting civil servants in their daily lives. These include depression, substance abuse, domestic disputes and financial constraints, which the PSC identified as major causes.
The PSC said the situation among police officers has raised particular concern due to cases involving suicide. Some of the cases have also involved officers killing their spouses and other family members before taking their own lives.
Molu said the government has taken steps to ensure civil servants can receive help when they experience mental health challenges. He explained that counselling units have been activated across state departments as part of the response.
Awareness forms part of reform agenda
The activation of counselling units comes after the PSC raised awareness campaigns as part of its reform agenda. The commission said the campaigns are aimed at creating awareness around mental health among civil servants.
The engagement in Naivasha brought together human resource directors from various government departments. The meeting provided an opportunity for the PSC to address the concerns affecting workers and the steps being taken to support them.