By Rita Mwabonje
Kenya Coast National Polytechnic (KCNP) launched the construction of the Regional Flagship Centre of Excellence in Marine Transport and Port Logistics on 5th December 2022 at Waa in Kwale County. Construction work has since taken off and the Contractor is on site. The Contractor has already demarcated the construction site and built the site office including toilets for waste management.
The work is projected to be completed by August 2023. It is worth noting that the Contractor has employed casuals and experts with the representation of both males and females. Remuneration of workers is in accordance with the Government of Kenya labour regulations. Adherence to strict working hours as per the labour regulations is being observed
Image of the fabricated offices on site
On 14th February 2023, the Polytechnic held a stakeholder forum with the local Community where the construction work is ongoing. The purpose of the forum was to introduce the Contractor to the Community and highlight the nature of work that was to be carried out throughout the construction period. Members of the Community were assured of the social safeguards that have been put in place including protecting the environment against degradation and cordial interactions between the workers and the Community. Additionally, members of the Community were informed of the procedure to follow when reporting any grievances they may have concerning the construction works.
Chief Principal Ms Mary Muthoka, together with PIU members meeting Waa community leaders.
Further, on 24th February 2023 the Polytechnic’s Environment and Social Safeguards Expert together with the ICUEA Experts, inducted the Contractor and workers on environment and social safeguards; particularly on safety of workers while on site.
Induction of workers on safety issues by safeguards experts from ICUEA and KCNP
The Writer is a Communication Officer for EASTRIP at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic College