Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s drivers have been empowered to successfully handle emergency situations in their line of work. This was during a three-day intensive training on first aid, facilitated by representatives from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), as well as the Automobile Association of Kenya, which took place from 2nd to 4th July, 2024 at Golf Hotel-Kakamega. The training was organized by the office of the Registrar (Administration), in conjunction with the University Road Safety Mainstreaming Committee, and was officially opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. John Kuria Thuo.
“I would like to appreciate the facilitators of this training for taking our drivers through this important exercise. The University Management recognizes the importance of providing staff with ongoing training, which is why it has allocated resources towards such activities,” stated Prof. Thuo. Further, the Deputy Vice Chancellor urged the drivers to develop a good work environment, saying that there is a need for regular departmental meetings to discuss issues affecting them. “Put what you have learnt here into practice, remember to treat your clients well and love your job,” he added.
Officers from the Kenya Police Service-Kakamega with MMUST staff and external facilitators.
In his remarks, Mr. Silas Magonya, who was representing the Registrar (Administration)-Dr. Eglay Tsuma, reiterated that the training is a deliberate effort by the University Management to equip its staff with knowledge and skills needed to improve their performance. “The Management is committed to ensuring that drivers are trained annually. This group has undergone a number of training exercises, including defensive driving training, and we anticipate having more of them,” said Mr. Magonya.
“On behalf of the MMUST Road Safety Mainstreaming Committee, I express my gratitude to the Management for approving this training. I would also like to recognize our partners from the Kenya Police Service-Kakamega, specifically the traffic Department led by the base commander, as well as AA-Kenya and NTSA for their continued support towards our activities,” stated the Chairman of the Road Safety Mainstreaming Committee, Dr. Julius Mabia. Dr. Mabia said that the University Performance Contract requires drivers to undergo training, adding that he looked forward to the advanced first aid training which will be conducted soon.
The Chairman-MMUST Road Safety Mainstreaming Committee, Dr. Julius Mabia, gives his remarks during the training.
The lead facilitator, Mr. Nickson Njambere, a technical trainer at AA-Kenya, pointed out that road safety mainstreaming for drivers is very important. “We have packaged this particular training in a way that will help drivers to handle emergency situations in their line of work, in a bid to transform them into road safety ambassadors. I have had the privilege of training MMUST drivers for the past three years and I am happy to receive feedback that there has been a positive change,” he stated. In his remarks, NTSA’s Mr. Kelvin Maingi commended the University for the seriousness it has taken in training its drivers, and added that he was excited by the support that the Management has given to this group.
The drivers were taken through: Legal requirements on emergency preparedness; Workplace safety policies first aid introduction; Managing an incident - “AMEGA”; Casualty Management Primary Survey; Casualty Management Secondary Survey; The unconscious casualty not breathing CPR; Wounds and circulations; Bone, joint and muscle injuries techniques and equipment; Respiratory problems; Effects of heat and cold; Foreign objects/poisoning, bites and stings; Nervous system problems; and Medical conditions (Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperglycemia Allergy).
AA-Kenya’s Mr. Nickson Njambere during the First Aid training for drivers at Golf Hotel, Kakamega.
MMUST has taken the lead in capacity building its drivers, as well as other staff, on matters of road safety. There is no doubt that the just concluded training has left a positive impact on the staff from the transport section, and they are now set to handle emergency situations in their line of work.
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
