Wives of National Police Service (NPS) officers have formed a national association to improve the living standards of cops in Kenya.
During an interview on Saturday, September 25, an official at the National Police Wives Association (NAPOWA), Sofia Nikol, stated that the association would also help officers through the challenges they face in the line of duty.
She added that the group would deal with mental health challenges facing officers through the provision of basic necessities to officers’ households.
"The reason why we started this group is to deal with stress that officers are facing in the line of duty and in the houses. Every time officers are facing stress, they harm themselves.
“We have formed NAWOPA and we will be having a merry-go-round table banking to ensure that there is food in the houses of our officers,” Nikol stated.
She added that the move would improve the performance of officers in their different stations.
“When there is food in the houses, the officers will be at peace. Even at their stations, they will perform better,” she added.
On her part, Sorofia Simiyu, a founding member of the association, lauded the move adding that the group will also be open to widows who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty.
“Wives of departed officers will also benefit even when their spouses are no more. The association will ensure that their needs and those of their families are catered for,” Simiyu stated.
The officials further added that their initiative would prevent cases of domestic disputes within their families.
“The group will bring peace between officers and members of their families. Psychologically, the officers will also be relaxed making them work better,” Leah Okelo stated.
This move comes amidst the implementation of police reforms which were initiated by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi.
