Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) in Kenya: Building a Culture of Safety Beyond Compliance

Safety is not an accident. It is a decision, a culture, and a responsibility we all share.

In Kenya, the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) plays a critical role in safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of workers across all sectors. Established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 2007, DOSHS is mandated to ensure that workplaces are registered, inspected, and guided to meet minimum safety and health standards.

As an Ambassador of Safety, I strongly encourage all workplaces in Kenya—formal and informal—to be registered with DOSHS and for employers and employees alike to fully understand and implement OSHA 2007 rules, regulations, and directives. Safety legislation is not meant to punish businesses; it exists to protect lives, livelihoods, and productivity.

Participating in national and global safety initiatives such as World Day for Safety and Health at Work (World Safety Day) is not just symbolic. These moments remind us that safety is a continuous journey, not a one-off checklist.

From Compliance to Culture: Safety by Design

True safety goes beyond compliance. It is about Safety by Design—integrating safety into how we plan, build, work, worship, learn, and live. A strong safety culture means:

  • Preventing hazards before they cause harm

  • Empowering people with knowledge and skills

  • Treating safety as a best practice, not a legal burden

When safety becomes a value, not a formality, workplaces thrive and communities become resilient.

Makinika Afrika International: Empowerment Through Training

At Makinika Afrika International, we are at the forefront of first aid and occupational safety training in Kenya and across Africa. Our mission goes beyond regulatory compliance. We focus on empowerment, awareness, and practical life-saving skills.

What makes our approach unique is our deliberate focus on the informal sector—communities, churches, schools, youth groups, and grassroots organizations. These spaces are often overlooked, yet they are where accidents, medical emergencies, and risks frequently occur. We believe safety knowledge should not be a privilege; it should be accessible to all.

🌍 Website: www.makinikaafrika.org

Nairobi Safety Shop: Compliance, Quality, and Trust

While training builds knowledge, the right equipment turns knowledge into action. Through Nairobi Safety Shop, we support organizations to comply fully with OSHA 2007 standards by supplying:

  • Quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Certified fire safety equipment

  • Approved first aid kits and supplies

  • Clear, compliant safety signages

We are committed to best standards, superior quality, and a wide variety of safety solutions tailored for Kenyan and African workplaces—because safety equipment should protect lives, not just tick a box.

A Call to Action

  • Employers: Register your workplace with DOSHS and invest in safety systems

  • Employees: Know your rights and responsibilities under OSHA 2007

  • Institutions & Communities: Embrace safety training and preparedness

  • Citizens: Choose a culture of safety in homes, roads, schools, and workplaces

Safety is everyone’s business. Together, we can move Kenya from reactive safety to preventive, people-centered, and sustainable safety practices.

Ambassador Steve Mbugua
Intentional Encourager | Ambassador of Safety
Founder – Makinika Afrika International
Nairobi Safety Shop

Let us build a Kenya where safety is designed into everything we do—because every life matters.

#doshs

#worldsafetyday2026

#safetyculture

#safetykenya

Edified  by this?  share with your friends and loved ones

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

About the Author

AMB. STEVE MBUGUA

Amb. Steve Mbugua is an enthusiastic Ambassador of Safety and wellness with in-depth training, safety advisory and Workplace Safety Behavior Change Coaching experience. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Makinika Afrika Int’l , a Health and Safety Training Firm in Kenya  and Group CEO  Nairobi Safety Shop Limited, the largest Security, Safety and Health Store in the East and Central Africa and Managing Director, Stewa Safaris Kenya Limited a Premier  Tours and  Travels Company in Kenya.

Social Handles

Explore More Blogs