Representatives from the Compensation and Welfare Department at the Defence Headquarters in conjunction with the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) today conducted a counselling training program to KDF troops who are set to deploy to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the East Africa Community Regional Force (EACRF).
The MWAK Chairperson, Mrs.Eileen Ogolla, who presided over the event at the School of Infantry in Isiolo urged the troops to earnestly focus on spirituality, family support and mental health issues in order to edify family cohesion and stability.
“We are here today to underscore to you the importance of maintaining connection with your families and setting personal goals since the key in maintaining any family stability is intentional communication and financial management.”
Her sentiments were echoed by other members of the association who encouraged the troops to sensitize their wives on MWAK’s active role in empowering family stability. On the same platform, Mrs. Ogolla reasserted their committment to empower wives manage their homes and make wise financial decisions especially when their spouses are on peace keeping duties.
The association has been extensively working with Compensation and Welfare office (C&W) in ensuring effective wellness of troops and their families.
Lieutenant Colonel Omuse of C&W office noted that the pre-deployment counselling and training program is meant to assist in building resilience to both the deploying troops and their families.
“Military deployment comes with many challenges, both psychological and social which greatly impact the family wellbeing, we therefore ensure that psychological awareness is available to every soldier.”
His sentiments were reiterated by Lieutenant Colonel Simon Ngipuo, a clinical Psychologist who pointed out that mental health is as crucial as physical wellness, further noting that psychological support is readily available to every soldier.
It is routine for KDF troops to undergo mentorship training prior to, during and after deployment to operation areas which is vital in maintenance of work-family balance.
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