Counselling unit formed as DIG Lagat restructures police directorates
A past study indicates that at least 10 percent of officers are affected by mental health-related problems, an issue that has contributed to cases of killings, suicides, and declining service delivery.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has introduced a series of structural changes within the Kenya Police, creating new directorates and reshuffling top officers at Vigilance House.
The adjustments, which affect three directorates, are aimed at strengthening community engagement, tackling gender and child-related crimes, and addressing growing concerns over mental health within the service.
The Directorate of Community Policing, previously led by Senior Assistant Inspector General Judy Lamet, has been split into two units.
Lamet will retain her role as Director of Community Policing, while a new Directorate of the Children and Gender Protection Unit has been established, with Dolly Onyango appointed as its director.
The unit will handle cases of gender-based violence, crimes against children, and other issues touching on women and children.
Lagat also announced the creation of a Counselling Unit under the Directorate of Chaplaincy and Psychosocial Support, in response to rising mental health challenges in the police service.
A past study indicates that at least 10 percent of officers are affected by mental health-related problems, an issue that has contributed to cases of killings, suicides, and declining service delivery.
Dr. Vincent Makoha, who was previously in charge of Chaplaincy, has been redeployed to police headquarters, while Evelyne Njeri, a professional counsellor, will now head the Counselling Unit.
Officials said the move was necessary to provide focused interventions to curb the rising cases linked to officers’ mental well-being.
As part of the changes, Lagat reassigned several senior officers to new roles. Clinton Kimaiyo, who served as Deputy Head of the RECCE Unit, was posted to Murang’a County as the police commander.
He is expected to lead operations against illicit alcohol, the invasion of private farms by squatters, and a wave of theft targeting pineapples at the Delmonte plantation. Kimaiyo replaces Benjamin Kimwele, who has been recalled to police headquarters.
In the Rift Valley region, Michael Ndiaga took over as the new Deputy Police Chief, replacing Joel Lekuta, who was transferred to the Logistics Department at Vigilance House.
Officials indicated that further changes in the police service are in the pipeline as part of a broader effort to improve effectiveness and restore public confidence.
