Mental Health Awareness Session 

March 25, 2025 – NSSF Building, Nairobi
The State Department of Investment Promotion (SDIP) today hosted a timely and impactful mental health session aimed at enhancing employee well-being. Held on the 23rd floor of the NSSF building, the session saw participation of staff members from across the Department.
Counseling Psychologists drawn from the Directorate of Counselling and Wellness Services, Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development shared valuable insights on managing stress, building resilience and creating a healthy work-life balance. They included Collins Budi Likhanga, William Wanga, Nguka Ojwang’, Cresender Aluva and Stacy Gikonyo from the Directorate of Counselling and Wellness Services.
To begin the sessions, Director of Human Resource Development at the SDIP, Mr. Washington Timbe noted that the counselling and wellness programmes implemented by the Directorate of Counselling and Wellness Services aimed to boost productivity at the workplace for all public sector employees.
A session led by Mr. Collins Budi, focused on the various types of stress, the impacts they have on mental health and practical techniques for managing stress in both personal and professional settings. He emphasized on the importance of recognizing stress triggers and adopting strategies to cope effectively. Budi further highlighted the need for open conversations around mental health in the workplace.
Mr. Nguka Ojwang’ led another session on physiological and emotional responses to stress which offered employees a deeper understanding of how stress can manifest in different forms, including acute and chronic stress. Participants were introduced to a range of stress management tools such as healthy eating, meditation and regular exercises among others. 
The psychologists also stressed on the significance of resilience in overcoming challenges, with strategies for cultivating mental toughness and maintaining a positive outlook during difficult times. Additionally, practical advice was given on how to create a balanced life that prioritized both personal well-being and professional responsibilities.
"The session was not only informative but also a reminder of how crucial it is to take care of our mental health, especially in a high-pressure work environment," said one attendee. "It gave us the tools to better manage stress and maintain our focus, which will ultimately improve our productivity and overall quality of life."
As organizations increasingly recognize the importance of mental health in workplace culture, such sessions help to normalize conversations around mental wellness and offer practical solutions to everyday challenges. The initiative is part of the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development’s ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy work environment for all civil servants. The services are free for all civil servants and their families. 
The State Department of Investment Promotion remains committed to enhancing the mental and emotional well-being of its workforce, ensuring that employees are equipped to handle stress, build resilience and maintain a healthy work-life balance.