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{
    "id": 1522455,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1522455/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 231,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Maragwa, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Mary Njoroge",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "We do not only need psychosocial support centres in the police force. If it were possible for the Government, we would have them in all sectors. You will bear me witness that many people are dealing with economic hardships, social media and online pressures, relationship and family struggles, stresses in the work place, substance abuse, unhealthy coping mechanisms, health issues and lack of access to mental healthcare. All workers require psychosocial support to deal with those issues, not only police officers. Through those centres, we will guide, counsel and even get closer to those affected. Depression affects many people such as other public officers and civil servants, as well as children in primary and secondary schools, and students in universities. When a parent is hit hard by tough economic times and cannot provide for his or her children in university or secondary schools, the children undergo such problems. Back in the day when we were in primary school, we did not have to deal with such issues. I can say without any fear of contradiction that this Bill is crucial so that our police officers, who are experiencing a troubling increase in suicide cases amongst their ranks due to the factors that I have mentioned, can be supported. The proposed amendment Bill provides structured mental health support, potentially reducing incidents of erratic behaviour linked to mental distress. This is crucial for people whose work is to protect us. We should start by looking into their mental well-being so that we can enable them to serve the country better. You can imagine a police officer who is already mentally depressed and is expected to work during the day, rest a bit and at times, go on patrols at night to protect our people because we The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}