Engage with: Daniel Omiti Owang

By Shiphrah Njeri

Every day is a busy day at KNH, and so is the daily routine for one Daniel Omiti Owang, a plant operator in the Transport Department at the hospital. Early morning when walking to your offices, you have probably met Daniel driving the garbage tractor collecting trash around the hospital. The waste here is categorized into three classes namely: i) Clinical -This is waste resulting from medical, nursing, dental, pharmaceutical, skin penetration, or other related clinical activity that has the potential to cause injury, infection, or offense. ii) Pathological - This is waste that consists of recognizable humanderived tissues, organs, and body parts. iii) General- Also known as residual waste, this is material from the offices (non-toxic).

One-on-one with Daniel Omiti

Where do you hail from and how is your family life?

I was born and brought up in Kibra Constituency-Nairobi County. My village is Rachuonyo District in Homabay County. I am married and a father to four children.

When did you join KNH?

I first started working in KNH in 1994 as support staff. Later the hospital’s management took me for training at the Institute of Applied Technology-Matasia Campus to study plant operation. This training would later transform my life.

What is your normal day like?

I start collecting waste from the administration block, then laundry, Critical Care Center, Farewell Home, and finally the designated litter area at the Tower Block. I make around six to seven trips on a busy day and four on a less busy day.

At what time do you start your day?

I start collecting garbage from 6 a.m. in the Administration block since that is where many cars are parked and so to avoid inconvenience with the tractor we clear this place early enough before cars start piling up. This I do with the help of support staff deployed at the offices around the administration block.

What precautionary measures do you take given that you are exposed to this garbage daily?

I do not load the trash bags myself, we work in collaboration with support staff from various departments. But when there is a need for me to handle the waste, for example, a few bags fall off the truck when driving on a bumpy road and I have to stop driving and load it back, the hospital has provided Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, masks, and gumboots.

How do you dispose of the waste collected? Have you hired a company for waste management?

KNH has an in-house waste management machine known as an incinerator. This is an industrial plant designed for largescale refuse combustion. This furnace produced by the incinerator is designed to dispose of waste effectively, eliminating the danger to the environment as well as the high costs of having it transported to a landfill. We only hire a company to transport the general waste as clinical and pathological wastes are managed at the incinerator.

How do you become a plant operator?

To become a plant operator, you must have at least a diploma in Plant Operation. Plant operators need to complete vocational training programs to learn how to operate and maintain equipment since this is different from common drivers. Depending on the industry you work in, you might need a special license or certificate. Job training is necessary for plant operators to learn specific procedures and protocols.

What do you pride most in your work here at KNH?

The most memorable one was when the hospital paid for training for me to join Matasia College where I studied plant operation. This has propelled me to greater heights in various ways such as career elevation, supporting my family financially, acquiring a few properties, and building a house that has become a home for my family.

What is your favorite food?

I love chai (tea) and traditional foods, mostly managu (African nightshade) and ugali.

What is your hobby? I love the gym. It is the perfect place for me to stay in shape.

What is your favorite type of music?

I love listening to reggae and my all-time favorite musician is Bob Marley.

Parting shot?

I would tell colleagues not to lose hope in life, whatever opportunity you’re given, do it with perfection. God will always reward you.

The KNH garbage tractor used to transport garbage

PHOTO |LUKE KUNG’U/STEVE ARWA

Mr. Daniel Omiti Owang - plant operator in the Transport Department

MAIN PHOTO |LUKE KUNG’U