OSHA reaches over 500 entrepreneurs through community campaign

KILIMANJARO: THE Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) has reached out to communities in Kilimanjaro Region through a corporate social responsibility campaign that provided support to schools and hospitals and trained more than 500 small-scale entrepreneurs in occupational safety and health.

The campaign targeted beneficiaries in Mwanga District and Moshi Municipality, providing essential supplies, protective equipment and safety training to improve community welfare and promote safer working environments.

As part of the initiative, OSHA planted 200 fruit trees in various primary and secondary schools in Mwanga District. It also donated 100 bedsheets to Mwanga District Hospital and sports equipment to support school activities.

The authority further provided occupational safety and health training and protective equipment to small-scale entrepreneurs with disabilities and motorcycle taxi operators, commonly known as bodaboda riders.

Speaking at the climax of the campaign during the OSHA Corporate Social Responsibility Bonanza 2026, held at the Moshi Police College grounds on Friday, Siha District Commissioner Dr Christopher Timbuka said the initiative aimed to improve the lives of vulnerable groups and address the needs of communities requiring special support.

He said the beneficiaries included 200 bodaboda riders from Mwanga District and Moshi Municipality, 70 members of the Federation of Organisations of People with Disabilities (SHIVYAWATA), secondary schools in Mwanga and Mwanga District Hospital.

OSHA Executive Director Khadija Mwenda said the campaign demonstrated the authority’s commitment to giving back to society while continuing to fulfil its core mandate of promoting compliance with occupational safety and health standards in workplaces across the country.

“Our main responsibility is to ensure workplaces have effective systems to protect workers against hazards that can cause accidents, occupational diseases and deaths,” she said.

Ms Mwenda added that, alongside its regulatory responsibilities, OSHA had maintained a tradition of organising community-focused activities during its participation in the Sports Competitions of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (SHIMIWI).

ALSO READ:OSHA orders valuers of assets belonging to TSF victims in Mara to adhere to safety protocols

She said the initiative reflected the authority’s commitment to extending the benefits of its work beyond formal workplaces to communities and groups whose livelihoods also depend on safe working practices.

Mwanga District Administrative Secretary Mpampalika Mfaume and other beneficiaries thanked OSHA for prioritising community needs and using its resources to support vulnerable groups.

One of the training participants, Ms Judika Allen, said the programme had improved her understanding of OSHA’s role and the importance of occupational safety and health among self-employed people.

“I am pleased with today’s training because I have learned about OSHA’s responsibilities. More importantly, I have realised that safety is not only for employed workers; those of us who are self-employed must also observe proper safety and health practices to protect ourselves,” she said.

The campaign forms part of OSHA’s annual community outreach activities conducted alongside its participation in SHIMIWI competitions.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *