Written by Jilopa K Ezra
Environmental workers across Nakuru County are set to carry out conservation and clean-up activities under safer conditions following a partnership between the County Government and KEPRO Company that has delivered personal protective equipment (PPE) to strengthen frontline environmental operations and improve service delivery.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Water, Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Natural Resources, aims to enhance the safety, welfare and efficiency of personnel involved in environmental conservation programmes across the county.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Dr Nelson Maara, said protecting frontline environmental workers is essential to ensuring they perform their duties safely and effectively while supporting the county’s broader environmental agenda.
Accompanied by Chief Officer Ms Stella Mwaura, Dr Maara received the equipment on behalf of the County Government from KEPRO Chief Executive Officer James Odongo and other company officials. The donation included 500 pairs of branded overalls, 300 pairs of heavy-duty gumboots, 300 reflective jackets, 300 pairs of gloves and 300 caps. The protective gear will be used by workers undertaking environmental conservation and community clean-up programmes across Nakuru.
Dr Maara lauded KEPRO for partnering with the county, saying that access to quality protective equipment is critical to safeguarding workers and improving the effectiveness of conservation activities. He noted that collaboration between the public and private sectors remains vital in advancing environmental protection and improving the well-being of local communities.
He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive working environment for all personnel involved in environmental management. According to Dr Maara, proper protective gear will help reduce occupational risks, improve productivity and boost the morale of teams working in conservation programmes across the county.
The CECM added that environmental conservation remains one of the county’s key priorities, pointing to ongoing initiatives such as tree growing, restoration of degraded ecosystems, river protection, solid waste management and the monthly market clean-up programme. He observed that the success of these efforts depends largely on the commitment, safety and welfare of the personnel implementing them on the ground.
Ms Mwaura described the donation as a timely boost to field operations, saying the department values partnerships with organisations that share its vision of building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment. She added that the protective equipment will significantly improve the working conditions of environmental teams serving communities across the county.
KEPRO Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Odongo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting environmental conservation and community development initiatives. He said KEPRO recognises the indispensable role of environmental workers and is proud to partner with the Nakuru County Government to promote their safety and well-being as they deliver essential public services.
The donated equipment will be distributed to environmental personnel across the county to support activities including waste collection, tree planting, ecosystem restoration, drainage maintenance and community clean-up campaigns. County officials said the initiative is expected to enhance operational efficiency while ensuring workers are adequately protected as they carry out their responsibilities.
The partnership reflects the shared commitment of the Nakuru County Government and KEPRO Company to creating safer workplaces, strengthening environmental sustainability and fostering impactful public-private collaboration that advances the county’s long-term climate resilience and community development agenda.