Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale has lauded first aid and firefighting skills training at the workplace, describing it as a key preparatory activity towards World Safety Day 2026, whose national celebrations will be held in Eldoret.
Speaking during a first aid challenge event hosted at Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas at the Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) in Eldoret, Dr. Nyale said the exercise was timely, especially as the city experiences rapid infrastructural development, including affordable housing projects, ultra-modern markets, and other major developments.
Dr. Nyale noted that such training, organised by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS), equips both employers and employees with essential skills to respond to emergencies such as accidents and fire outbreaks before victims can access advanced medical care.
“Today we are privileged to host many teams from various workplaces across the country in the first aid challenge. They have demonstrated how they respond to emergencies at workplaces. This is key to ensuring that our places of work adhere to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations,” he said.
The county commisioner added that the ongoing infrastructure boom in Eldoret calls for enhanced awareness and preparedness among workers and residents, stressing the importance of safety training in preventing avoidable fatalities and injuries at worksites.
“As our new city of Eldoret continues to grow with numerous affordable housing projects, this is an opportunity for us to learn and apply emergency response skills, especially providing first aid in case of accidents at worksites,” he added.
Nyale also commended the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services for spearheading the initiative, noting that such engagements play a critical role in strengthening workplace safety culture across the country.
On his part, Ondimu Nyabwari, Head of Field Operations at DOSHS and Chairperson of the Technical Committee for World Safety Day 2026, revealed that 10 teams participated in the challenge. The teams were assessed on their performance in first aid response and firefighting techniques before sitting for a theory examination.
He said winners will be awarded during the World Safety Day celebrations next week, while all participating teams will receive certificates of participation in recognition of their efforts.
Nyabwari further announced a series of upcoming activities leading to the main event. These include a medical camp for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at the County Governor’s Grounds, and a scientific conference to be held on Monday, April 27 at Starbuck Hotel.
The main World Safety Day 2026 event will take place on Tuesday, April 28 at Central Primary Grounds and will be officiated by the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection.
He urged residents and civil servants to actively participate in the global event, noting that World Safety Day is an annual international awareness campaign dedicated to promoting occupational safety and health in workplaces.
“It serves as a focal point to highlight the importance of safe, healthy, and decent working conditions for all workers,” he said.
Nyabwari reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to enforcing the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), 2007, which aims to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases in workplaces. He called for strengthened collaboration among stakeholders to enhance workplace safety standards.
“In marking World Safety Day 2026 with the theme ‘Good psychosocial working environments: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organizations,’ we honour workers who have lost their lives, suffered injuries, or developed illnesses due to unsafe workplaces,” he said.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
