The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting occupational accident victims and dependents of deceased victims in getting a commensurate redress Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua has said.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Secretary of Administration at the Ministry Herman Shambi, during the commemoration of the 2025 World Day for Safety and Health at Work places held in Nanyuki town, the CS raised concerns that the Ministry may not be able to provide the requisite redress if it has no knowledge about the workplace accidents, most of which go unreported.
“The incidents of occupational accidents that go unreported hamper the Ministry’s plans that relate to the development of workplace accident preventive strategies and promotion of occupational safety and health at workplaces,” Mutua noted.
The CS further urged all employers to be prompt in reporting occupational accidents and diseases for early investigations, possible compensatory remedies, and planning by the government.
“The reporting of occupational accidents is a legal requirement that must be obeyed and adhered to. But again as employers, let us also work towards ensuring the number of injuries at our workplaces reduces,” he added.
The CS also noted with concern that since the beginning of financial year, 5914 workers have been involved in accidents at various workplaces in the country, according to statistics at the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services.
“Arising from these accidents, some workers end up with lifelong disabilities and others are incapacitated and unable to work for some time,” he said.
The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘Impacts of Digitization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Workers’ Safety and Health’ where the CS outlined that the Ministry was in the process of reviewing the legal instruments, setting up adequate policies, guidelines, laws and regulations that will be in place to address inherent concerns.
“It has now become a norm that many workspaces in our country workers execute work activities online, virtually, from home, by way of distant work and through digital platforms. And of course, Artificial Intelligence goes alongside digitization. Telecommuting or Teleworking or Remote Work, Online jobs are turning out to be the order of the day,” Mutua observed.
He added that the government would expedite the reform of this Regulatory and Policy Framework to ensure the digitalisation and AI information.
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu who also graced the function said that the county government was committed to ensuring workplace safety and health of all its employees by providing training, conducting risk assessments, providing protective equipment, and medical severance.
“We must go beyond compliance, but we must also embrace a culture of care and reflect deeply on challenges that undermine working spaces such as alcoholism and substance abuse,” Irungu said.
During the function, several organisations were feted with trophies and certificates for adhering to occupational safety and health standards at their respective workplaces.
By Martin Munyi
