Nakuru: The County Government of Nakuru is conducting specialized safety and health training for human resource officers, safety focal persons, and county public service board members. The county-led initiative targets both public and private sectors to ensure full compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA 2007).
According to Kenya News Agency, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service Management Mr. Ambrose Ngare stated that sensitization programs are being conducted to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA 2007) and the Work Injury Benefits Act 2007. Speaking during the inauguration of a five-day safety and health training programme, Mr. Ngare emphasized the importance of workers remaining responsible at their workplaces by protecting themselves and not endangering others.
He urged the participants to strengthen their knowledge of occupational safety and health and ensure compliance with legal requirements in their respective jobs. Mr. Ngare noted that the county government has invested in employee safety through the provision of personal protective equipment (PPEs), safety clothing, helmets, and dust coats for its workers.
Mr. Ngare explained that in Kenya, occupational safety and health (OSH) is recognized as a fundamental right and is anchored in law and policy frameworks overseen by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. The Bill of Rights clearly provides that every citizen has the right to fair labour practices, reasonable working conditions, and a clean and healthy environment.
The CECM observed that Kenya has established institutions like the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS), which is mandated to inspect workplaces, enforce compliance, and promote safer working environments. He pointed out that workplace safety impacts dignity, productivity, and national development, noting that unsafe working conditions lead to injuries, lost income, increased healthcare costs, and reduced productivity. He highlighted that at a national level, poor occupational safety and health practices are estimated to cost nearly four per cent of global GDP annually.
He suggested that establishments should strategically integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into occupational safety, as AI can help predict workplace risks before accidents happen by analyzing patterns in data, flagging high-risk environments, and supporting smarter inspections. AI-powered systems can monitor hazardous conditions in industries like construction and manufacturing, while digital tools can help track compliance and improve reporting accuracy.
Mr. Ngare elaborated that data systems must be modernized and that reliable, real-time data on workplace injuries and risks is essential for informed decision-making and effective policy design. He noted that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is an important facet for the success of any business and its operations, with the International Labour Organization (ILO) anchoring this in its constitution through the principle that workers must be protected from sickness, disease, and injury arising from their employment.
He called on all employees to strive to observe all the safety requirements for maintaining a safe working environment, affirming that safety is crucial for workplaces at large, as safe work procedures and policies significantly contribute to meeting productivity targets by ensuring a safe and conducive work environment.
