Effect Of Burnout on Mental Health Among Police Officers on Starehe Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The increasing trend of mental health cases in the society has raised global concern. Kenya National Task Force on Police reforms aim to continuously improve the working conditions of Kenya Police Officers. However, there are numerous cases involving police brutality, suicides, homicides, and deaths which points to the increase in mental illness resulting in stroke or loss of life among other health complications. This might be attributed to burnout issues among the police force, hence there is need to examine whether or not it is the contributing to mental illness. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of burnout on the mental health of Kenya Police Service Officers in Starehe Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya. The specific objectives were to assess the effect of emotional exhaustion, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and personal accomplishment on the mental health of Kenya Police Service officers working in Starehe Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya. The study was anchored on spillover theory, work-family border theory, and person-environment fit theory. The study adopted a descriptive research approach that incorporates a cross-sectional research design. A target population of 174 police officers in seven police stations in Starehe Sub-County was used. A sample of 121 officers was selected using stratified sampling technique where 14 senior police officers were interviewed and 107 junior police officers were given questionnaires. Primary data was obtained using structured questionnaires and interview schedules. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviations, as well as inferential statistics such as simple linear regression and multiple linear regression models. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis where themes generated from the data was utilized in the discussion. The study revealed a high prevalence of burnout among Kenya Police Service officers in Starehe Sub-County, with emotional exhaustion (83.5%), diminished personal accomplishment (83.1%), and PTSD (70.0%) significantly impacting mental health. Emotional exhaustion, driven by overwork, physical fatigue, and limited rest, had a strong negative effect (β = 0.988, p < 0.001), while PTSD (β = 0.580, p < 0.001) and low personal accomplishment (β = 0.877, p < 0.001) were also strongly associated with deteriorating mental well-being. Qualitative interviews confirmed these findings, citing overwhelming workloads, trauma exposure, lack of recognition, and strained supervisor relationships as key contributors. The study concluded that burnout is a pervasive and harmful issue within the police force, necessitating urgent institutional reforms. Recommendations include implementing structured counseling services, enhancing recognition and career growth opportunities, managing workloads, and providing targeted trauma support. These strategies are vital for improving officers' psychological resilience, motivation, and overall mental health.