Listed agri-business firm Kakuzi PLC emerged the Overall Winner in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Practice in the Agricultural Sector at the National Annual Occupational Safety and Health Awards 2024.
The farm secured the award during the World Day for Safety and Health at Work Celebrations held at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru County.
Organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection through the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services, this event aimed to recognize companies that have excelled in mainstreaming occupational health and safety at their workplaces.
The award comes after an assessment done by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection through the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services on the set criteria assessing occupational safety and health programs.
This covered, workplace risk assessments, workplace hazard identification and control, accidents and incidents prevention, control, management and reporting and the general workplace safety culture among other criteria.
Competing with other players in the agricultural sector, the farm’s success in promoting occupational safety and health is attributed to its employee’s commitment to embracing safety practices, joint workplace inspections and promoting a safe workplace through active joint safety and health committees.
Chris Flowers, Managing Director of Kakuzi Plc, expressed enthusiasm at this significant milestone, stating, “With a workforce of over 3500 employees, our commitment to developing employee safety remains steadfast. Today’s award reaffirms our dedication to prioritizing this cause. As we observe the risks of extreme weather conditions, especially in Kenya where heavy rains and floods are prevalent, we urge all to exercise caution and keep safe. Our aim is to continuously develop working practices that safeguard ourselves and others from injuries while promoting productivity and technology in our workplaces.”
The theme of this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work, “Impacts of Climate Change in Occupational Safety and Health,” underscores the pressing need to address emerging challenges in workplace safety amid changing environmental conditions.
“I urge all organisations and businesses to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals at workplaces. This way, we will build a climate-resilient staff and foster a sustainable workplace,” noted Dr William Kiprono, Secretary of Administration at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
Kakuzi has implemented targeted measures to achieve its 2024 OSH targets, such as revitalizing its Safety and Health Policy, conducting training and capacity building, conducting workplace inspections, acknowledging safety champions, tracking and monitoring accident and incident trends, and organizing an OSH Week campaign.