Recognising the critical importance of occupational safety and health (OSH) and environmental safeguards in large-scale infrastructure projects, BWI Africa and the Middle East, with the support of FES and Mondiaal FNV, organised a "Training of Trainers" workshop on OSH from 13 to 15 May 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop aimed to bridge the knowledge gap and promote sustainable and secure work environments. It included a site visit to Laxmanbhai Construction Company Ltd. A total of 33 participants attended, including 13 women and 8 youth.

Asserting that OSH as a fundamental right and a key social safeguard in projects funded by International Financial Institutions (IFIs), 24 OSH representatives from six unions across six countries—Kenya, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania, Ghana, and Zimbabwe—were equipped with essential skills and knowledge to address OSH and social safeguard concerns. The training also empowered them to develop curricula that strengthen OSH in workplaces and utilise OSH as a tool for organising workers.

Participants also amplified calls to action aligned with BWI campaigns, including “Stop Deadly Dust” and “Too Hot to Work.” The event was formally opened by FES Kenya Country Director Bastian Schulz and BWI Africa and Middle East Regional Representative Crecentia Mofokeng.

With support from Dr. Steve Akhoth and Teresa Mutua, Communities Co-Director at Accountability Counsel, the training enhanced participants’ practical skills and knowledge, fostering a network of well-informed trainers ready to advance safety and safeguard agendas in their respective countries. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and hands-on exercises, attendees acquired vital tools to implement effective safety protocols and safeguard measures at the grassroots level.

BWI underscored the importance of ongoing capacity building and committed to establishing follow-up mechanisms for continuous learning and peer exchange. Plans are also in place to replicate similar training sessions across other affiliates in the Africa and Middle East region to ensure broader impact and adoption of standards.

Speaking at the event, KBCTFIEU General Secretary Julius Maina remarked: “Kenya has a deeply entrenched culture where construction speed and cost-cutting are prioritised over quality and safety. The lowest bidder always wins the project, resulting in minimal budget allocation for safety—sometimes as low as 1%. This leads to inadequate provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and insufficient training for workers.”

In light of this, Maina emphasised the need for unions to equip themselves with inspection skills and technical knowledge to ensure that the building and construction sector becomes a safer and healthier environment for all workers—while holding employers accountable for the safety and well-being of their employees.