Nanyuki: The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is banking on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reduce hazards at workplaces that lead to loss of lives and permanent disabilities. Director of Occupational Safety and Health Services, Dr. Andrew Muruka, says by harnessing technology, the country is not only going to increase production but also minimize disasters that have been witnessed recently in the mechanized, construction, and agricultural sectors.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Muruka emphasized the critical role of AI and digitalization in the most hazardous sectors of the economy, including construction, heavy machinery, manufacturing, and agriculture. He noted that these sectors require artificial intelligence to alleviate the burdens associated with hazards in workers’ line of work. Dr. Muruka was speaking in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, ahead of the World Day for Safety and Health celebrations, which will focus on ‘Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitization at Work.’
Dr. Muruka stated that the National Occupational Safety and Health under the Ministry of Labour aims to align safety digital solutions with the Work Injury Benefits Act of 2007 and any amendments to ensure legal compliance and strategic consistency. He urged stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and academia, to develop infrastructure for implementing AI and digitalization to enhance worker safety.
This year’s celebration marks the 20th event in the country, and the organizers, including the private sector, have introduced the Nanyuki 20 Declaration. This document contains 13 recommendations aimed at improving workplace safety by harnessing AI and digitalization while ensuring compliance with the data protection act.
The declaration calls on the government to prioritize funding for mental health in the workplace, advance research, innovation, and data-driven occupational safety and health, strengthen occupational safety and health capacity and digital literacy, and foster public-private partnerships.
Laikipia County Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha highlighted the importance of capacity building among government workers to administer first aid as a means to reduce occupational hazards. He emphasized the need for training to address incidents both at home and in workplaces.
In the past week, activities such as training workers in both formal and informal sectors on occupational safety and compensation processes for workplace injuries took place. Various organizations participated in First Aid competitions, and hundreds of local residents benefited from a free medical camp organized by the Ministry of Labour, Laikipia county government, and the Safaricom Foundation.
The World Day for Safety and Health National event will be commemorated in Nanyuki, with Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Dr. Alfred Mutua serving as the chief guest. He will be joined by Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) secretary Dr. Francis Atwoli, principal secretary for Labour and skills development Shadrack Mwadime, and other dignitaries.