A survey conducted by National Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse Authority (2012) indicates the lifetime usage of alcohol in the Public Sector is at 57.9%, which is markedly higher than the National average at 39.2%. This is likely to hamper quality service delivery and realization of Vision 2030.
Workplace substance abuse has the potential to negatively affect the health, safety and productivity of employees. The Government is therefore, concerned and committed to ensure that the wellbeing and productivity of its employees is maintained.
The Ministry, in consultation with the stakeholders, has developed the Public Service Substance Abuse Workplace Policy, which is aligned with the National Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse Authority guidelines, to address the concerns. The Policy will provide guidelines and standards for managing public servants with substance abuse challenges, by putting in place relevant substance abuse interventions. It will also provide a tool for strategic leadership and guidance to human resource management and development, in the prevention, treatment and management of public servants with challenges of workplace substance abuse.
The implementation of the Policy by all Public Service Agencies, namely; Ministries, County Governments, Departments, Independent Offices, Commissions and State Corporations, will go a long way in curbing the workplace substance abuse menace. When the Policy is fully implemented, it will ensure that Public Service has a healthy workplace for effective quality service delivery.
All agencies are therefore, advised to implement this Policy and align it to their specific mandates and needs.
Sicily K. Kariuki (Mrs), EGH,
CABINET SECRETARY,
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, YOUTH AND GENDER AFFAIRS