The Kenya Government has continuously developed and implemented policies geared towards the well-being of the public servants. As a result, in 2008 the Government developed the Public Service Guidance and Counselling Policy.
The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, in Article 43. (1a) provides that every Kenyan has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including psychological health. Psychological challenges, resulting from rapid changes such as transition from the Central to devolved system of Government; personal transitions; technological changes; workplace challenges; and high expectations of quality service delivery from the public, affect the well-being of public servants at all levels.
In response to the changes occasioned by the implementation of the devolved system of Government and the need to align the Policy to the Counsellors and Psychologists Act, 2014, this Ministry through the Directorate of Public Service Management and with support of stakeholders, has reviewed the Policy on the Public Service Guidance and Counselling, 2008. The reviewed Policy, provides relevant guidelines and framework for effective implementation of guidance and counselling services to public servants in both levels of Government. Further, it ensures the provision of appropriate facilities, psycho-education, integrated guidance and counselling employee support programmes that effectively support public servants to maintain a healthy psychological state as they deliver services.
The successful implementation of this Policy is pegged upon the concerted effort of all stakeholders. I urge Authorized Officers, Chief Executive Officers, and Heads of Department of respective Ministries, Counties, Departments and Agencies, to ensure that activities and programmes which fall within their mandate are effectively implemented to achieve the objectives of the Policy.
Sicily K. Kariuki (Mrs.), E.G.H.,
CABINET SECRETARY,
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, YOUTH AND GENDER AFFAIRS.