Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has directed the Deputy Governor and County Secretary to immediately effect transfers of county employees abetting the entry of Muguka in the county despite an existing ban.
Governor Nassir’s administration imposed stringent measures to regulate the consumption of stimulants that have been linked to a surge in mental health disorders.
“We cannot go back to square one while we have made progress. Our Portreitz hospital has a bed capacity of 72 patients; apart from those going for medication, 80 per cent of what is fuelling the mental cases is muguka. We need to be able to be firm. We will not tire on this matter,” said Nassir.
He added that they have been at the forefront of ensuring the well-being of employees. He revealed that a team of County Chief Officers have developed three policies on harassment, training, and discipline.
The Governor says they will propose to the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers for the Department of Health to conduct mental health assessments of their employees.
“Let’s start with the Export Processing Zone factories where people should undergo mental health assessments. It should be something discreet to be shared with the employee that you have to be able to do something, so that we can have a society that is beaming and healthier not just physically but mentally as well,” stated the governor.
The Governor spoke on Friday during the marking of World Mental Health Day at the Treasury Square Gardens. This year’s theme is ‘Mental Health at Work’.
County Workplace Mental Wellness Policy, County Mental Health Framework, County Mental Health Standard Operating Procedures by Level of Care, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Groups (IPTG) Community Manual documents were launched.
The Governor further advised netizens on social media not to live a falsified life wowed by likes and comments to be tempted to besmirch others but to respect fellow citizens.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Dr Swabah Omar, says the World Health Organisation estimates that 15 per cent of working adults suffer from mental health disorders at any given time.
“Yet, despite staggering figures, the workplace often remains silent on these issues. Many employees fear the stigma or repercussions of speaking out about their mental health challenges,” said Dr. Omar.
She added that studies show that mental health disorders can lead to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and presentism.
The CECM noted that it is estimated that the global economy loses about $1 trillion every year in lost productivity due to depression and anxiety.
“Clearly,” she said, “Addressing mental health in the workplace is not only a human imperative; it is a business one too.”
Dr. Swabah, without divulging more information, said preliminary results from an ongoing survey on workplace mental wellness by the County Government of Mombasa show that the majority of the employees were experiencing moderate to high stress levels at work.
To address mental health needs, the Department of Health is implementing multi-faceted interventions in all six sub-counties.
Interpersonal psychotherapy for groups implemented by the Community Health Promoters, and screening for depression in schools, workplaces, prisons, and in the community.
“This year, over 24,000 learners were reached with information on mental health and substance abuse prevention methods. We have decentralised mental health services in 14 health facilities. At workplaces, mental health debriefing sessions are ongoing. We are also offering telecounselling services,” said Dr. Omar.
Deputy Governor Francis Thoya noted that the high cost of living has exacerbated mental health cases. The County Government, he said, pays its employees their salaries on time.
“It is clear that we have our employees who are drug addicts, and alcoholics. If you examine, there are reasons they are on those addictions,” he said.
County Secretary Faruk Jeizan urged Human Resource Officers to ensure policy compliance to create a conducive working environment.
By Sadik Hassan
