Eldoret, 15 June 2024: Vivo Energy Kenya, the Company that distributes and markets Shell products and services in the country, and the National Transport Safety Aurthority (NTSA) held a medical screening exercise for school/learning institution transport drivers in Eldoret dubbed Fit2Drive Driver Wellness programme.

The Fit2Drive driver wellness programme aims to promote and enhance the physical and mental well-being of school/learning institution drivers, ensuring they maintain optimal health and safety standards while transporting school children.

The programme follows the Look Out, Tuvuke Salama, Usalama Barabarani campaign, a successful joint road safety initiative between The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Vivo Energy Kenya aimed at promoting a safe environment around schools. The campaign involved Reflective Lollipop STOP signs donations to schools located along high-risk roads and sensitisation of school children. The focus has now moved to the health of school/institution drivers. 

Why Fit2Drive? Research indicates that some health risk factors associated with driving include stress, muscular pains, long hours in a single-body posture, exposure to vibration, vehicle exhaust fumes, noise, fatigue, obesity, and self-medication.

The school bus driver's job comes with immense responsibility and requires the utmost patience. "Transporting students to and from school safely requires the drivers to strictly adhere to road traffic rules and regulations, " said Eng. Francis Owour, Distribution Manager of Vivo Energy Kenya.

In addition to safe driving, dealing with students, parents, and school authorities requires a lot of effort. These occupational hazards take a toll on the school bus driver’s health. And their regular, hectic schedule relegates personal fitness to the lowest priority level."

Eng. Owuor added that : “As a major player in the petroleum sector, championing and setting standards for safety, innovation, and quality, we remain resolute in our commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate by implementing long-term sustainable development initiatives that focus on the health of our people and extend them to the communities. At Vivo Energy Kenya, we value safety on the roads. This starts with the Driver being fit to drive. Fitness encompasses physical and mental well-being. To ensure this, Vivo Energy Kenya drivers undergo fitness to drive medical examinations. This ensures optimal physical health, mental and cognitive fitness.”

The medical screening exercise saw the drivers from Nandi, Elgeyo and Uasin Gichu counties undergo health talks, general health checkups and eye screening. Specifically, the drivers were examined for blood pressure, sugar levels and eyesight among other areas.

Health and fitness are important factors that impact on drivers’ safety on the road. Short term and long-term illnesses, deteriorating eyesight, long term physical conditions and mental health conditions for drivers should be screened regularly.

The NTSA also took this opportunity to encourage drivers to adhere to road traffic rules. Ensuring the safety of school bus drivers is paramount, given the vital role they play in transporting students to and from school each day. “To foster a positive atmosphere on the bus and set the tone for students’ days, school transport drivers must not only prioritise their own safety and well-being but also that of the children they carry every day.” said Mr George Njao the NTSA Director General.

Drivers who participated in the programme received a free occupational health assessment courtesy of Vivo Energy Kenya, NTSA, Moi Teaching and Referral hospital, Equity Afia, Eldoret hospital, PalmCare Sinai hospital LifeCare hospitals, TopHill hospital and Reale hospital.