Employee counseling programs and job performance in the Kenya police service. The case of Nairobi county
Abstract
This study sought to assess the effects of employee counseling programs on job
performance in the Kenya Police Service. Employee counseling programs are beneficial to
solving employee problems that affect job performance. Their service ranges from problem
assessment, supportive counseling, and referrals to higher levels of treatment, wellness education
and training, and follow-ups for both employees and family members. Within law enforcement,
employee counseling programs have given rise to positive outcomes among officers and their job
performance. The Kenya Police Service adopted employee counseling programs through the
National Police Guidance and Counseling policy (2009) as a means of improving their
psychological wellbeing and job performance. However, despite the counseling programs in
place, issues such as substance abuse/dependence, violent acts, suicide, homicide, involvement in
criminal activities such as robbery, among others, remain common among police officers. These
issues are related to poor job performance and in larger extent; they adversely affect ones
psychological health. The study applied mixed research design to obtain quantitative and
qualitative data. Data was collected using questionnaires and structured interviews. Out of sixty
questionnaires administered to police officers, thirty eight were filled and returned. In addition,
thirty questionnaires were administered to members of the public. Qualitative data was also
obtained from interviews with ten counselors and ten relevant stakeholders. Stratified sampling
technique was used to select respondents. Members of the public, counselors, and stakeholders
were selected using simple random technique. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Program
for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The analysis showed significant difference between
employee counseling programs and job performance in the Kenya Police Service. The finding
revealed positive effects of employee counseling programs on job performance. All police
officers who had gone through the counseling programs recorded great improvement in their job
performance. The finding also showed positive outcomes of employee counseling programs in
influencing work morale and interpersonal relations among police officers. It was recommended
that the management of Kenya Police Service should establish more counseling centers, employ
more counselors, and adopt modern ways of delivering counseling services to members of the
Kenya Police Service as major ways of yielding improved performance in future.
Publisher
University of Nairobi