Katiba Institute (KI) staff underwent a comprehensive First Aid Training on 21 May 2026 at KI’s offices, aimed at strengthening workplace preparedness and enhancing emergency response skills among staff members.

The training, conducted by Medswift Training Consultant Ltd, combined both theoretical and practical sessions, with participants actively engaging throughout the programme.

According to the facilitator, Erick Oloo, first aid management at the workplace is anchored on a “triad approach” that includes legal, financial and moral obligations.

“First aid is not only a life-saving intervention outside a hospital setting, but it also helps reduce medical expenses and other indirect costs. Trained first aiders are more confident and better prepared to respond to emergencies such as unconscious casualties, traumatic injuries and acute illnesses,” said Erick Oloo.

Participants were taken through key areas including incident management, the five-point emergency action plan, CPR, airway and breathing complications, shock, wounds and bleeding, fractures, burns, poisoning and unconsciousness. The training also highlighted the importance of mental health, with the facilitator noting that mental well-being directly affects employee performance, safety and morale.

Staff were further introduced to the contents and proper use of first aid kits, in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act – First Aid Regulations of 2024 (Legal Notice 79). The session emphasised employers’ obligations to provide emergency procedures, display names of trained first aiders and ensure easy access to first aid kits.

Katiba Institute’s Deputy Executive Director, Christine Kuria, challenged participants to fully embrace such learning opportunities beyond compliance requirements.

“First aid training should not only be viewed as a compliance requirement, but as an essential life skill that can help save lives both at the workplace and within our communities. I encourage staff to actively participate and apply the knowledge gained whenever necessary,” said Christine Kuria.

The training also recommended that Katiba Institute strengthen its health and safety management systems by formally appointing workplace first aiders, maintaining proper first aid records in line with DOSH Form 33 requirements, and conducting annual refresher courses.

At the end of the training, participants were awarded certificates and official first-aid identification cards in recognition of their successful completion of the programme and preparedness to respond to workplace emergencies.