In a bid to address the pressing health challenges facing long-distance drivers and conductors across Kenya, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, convened a high-level meeting with representatives of the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association. The meeting, held earlier today, brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on practical strategies aimed at safeguarding the health and wellbeing of a workforce that plays an essential role in the country’s economy and connectivity.
During the deliberations, PS Muthoni emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained health interventions tailored to the unique needs of long-distance drivers and conductors. She noted that these individuals often endure long hours on the road, irregular working schedules, limited access to medical facilities, and are frequently exposed to both physical and mental stressors. Such conditions, she argued, contribute significantly to increased vulnerability to diseases and diminished overall health outcomes. Recognizing these challenges, the discussions focused on key pillars that could anchor long-term improvements in the health of this mobile workforce.
One of the central topics was the importance of preventive healthcare measures, with an emphasis on regular health screenings to detect and manage conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and communicable diseases at an early stage. PS Muthoni highlighted that prevention is often more cost-effective than treatment, especially for a sector that often lacks consistent access to medical care due to the nature of its operations. Establishing mobile health units at strategic stopovers along major highways was floated as a practical solution to reach drivers during their journeys without causing significant disruption to their work schedules.
Mental health also featured prominently in the discussions. Muthoni expressed concern over the often-overlooked psychological pressures drivers and conductors face, ranging from fatigue and isolation to the strain of being away from their families for extended periods. She stressed the need for counseling services, awareness campaigns, and the integration of mental health support into existing occupational health frameworks. These interventions, she stated, would not only benefit the individuals directly but also contribute to road safety by reducing the risk of accidents linked to fatigue and mental distress.
The meeting also addressed the role of workplace policies in facilitating access to healthcare. PS Muthoni called for collaborative efforts between government, employers in the transport sector, and healthcare providers to ensure that drivers and conductors are covered under health insurance schemes, have access to sick leave, and are supported in seeking medical attention when needed. She encouraged transport companies to adopt policies that promote health education, regular medical checkups, and healthier lifestyles among their employees.
Chairperson of the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association, Mr. Elijah Nyaga, welcomed the engagement, noting that the meeting marked a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the challenges faced by drivers and conductors. He expressed optimism that the partnership with the Ministry of Health would yield tangible benefits for members of the Association and improve the overall quality of life for transport workers.
PS Muthoni concluded by reiterating her ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of their occupation, have access to quality healthcare. She promised that follow-up meetings would be held to translate today’s discussions into actionable programs, with the ultimate goal of enhancing health outcomes for long-distance drivers and conductors and by extension, the communities they serve.
