Govt starts work on new health centre to promote safety

The government is building an occupational health and safety institute in Industrial Area, Nairobi, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani has announced.

Speaking during the opening of this year’s Occupational Health and Safety Conference at the Technology and Development Centre in Athi River, Machakos County, Mr Yattani said the institute would cost Sh408 million.

“The institute, one of a kind in the region, will offer training, research and development of specialised skills on occupational safety and health,” Mr Yattani said, adding that the curriculum has been drawn up by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.

EMPLOYMENT

Mr Yatani noted that the informal sector, which employs a large number of young people, is fraught with occupational hazards.

The CS said his ministry is reviewing the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2017 and the Work Injury Benefits Act 2007.

“The review will go a long way in ensuring that emerging trends and challenges in occupational health and safety are adequately addressed,” he said.

Mr Yattani said the government would also draft the Occupational Safety and Health Practitioners’ Bill.

“The bill will ensure that the Occupational Health and Safety profession sees the light of day when enacted," he said.