The Kenya Police K-9 Unit is not just about sharp noses and disciplined paws; it’s also about building strong, resilient officers.
Beyond the training grounds at Lang’ata to the trails of Kilimambogo, officers and their four-legged partners are learning that mental wellness is as critical as law enforcement.
Commissioner of Police Peter Mnyoto, Commandant of the K-9 Unit, who has been at the helm for four months, has made officer welfare a top priority, introducing initiatives that focus on the mind, body, and spirit.
“The main reason why we started this program, hiking, is to ensure that we take care of the mind, body, and soul,” he says. “From a hike, there are fitness benefits, but also mental health benefits. It is an opportunity to relieve pressure, especially after the end-of-January rush of school fees and other personal responsibilities.”
The unit recently completed an 18-kilometre hike up Mt. Kilimambogo, a continuation of team-building exercises that began at Ngong Hills. Beyond physical fitness, Mnyoto says, the hikes are designed to build resilience that translates into officers’ professional and personal lives.
Policing, he emphasises, is not a solo endeavour.
“You cannot work alone,” he avers. “When you see a trained police dog in action, a lot has been done behind the scenes, from breeding and training to kennel care. That’s why teamwork is critical. Everyone has a role to play, and our activities are designed to bring the entire K-9 fraternity together as one unit.”
Officers’ welfare is central to this philosophy. Mnyoto highlights a holistic approach that includes mental wellness, financial discipline, and integrity in public service.
“Once we take care of the mental wellness of our officers and equip them to manage finances responsibly, it translates to integrity and professionalism in the field,” he says.
According to Mnyoto, the Kenya Police Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat has been at the forefront in championing the welfare of officers.
“We take that mantle from our boss seriously, and it is upon us as the leadership, at different formations and levels, to ensure that the Kenya Police officers’ welfare is well catered for.”
Late last year, Lagat announced structural changes at Vigilance House, including the creation of a new Counselling Unit focused on the mental health of officers.
Evelyne Njeri, a trained counsellor, now leads this unit, while Dr. Vincent Makoha has been redeployed to Police Headquarters to oversee broader chaplaincy efforts.
Research indicates that many police officers face mental health challenges, highlighting the importance of these reforms.
Mnyoto says the K-9 Unit has fully embraced these initiatives, ensuring officers are supported both on and off duty.
“We strive to provide a conducive environment for our officers and police dogs,” he explains. “When officers are mentally and emotionally well, they serve the public with pride and professionalism.”
His vision extends beyond the present. “I will be proud at the end of my tenure if I see a professional workforce,” Mnyoto says.
