Why ‘Mjengo’ Workers Risk Permanent Disability in Kenya's Construction Sites

A recent collaborative study conducted by the African Population and Health Research Centre and Drexel University has revealed alarming trends in spinal cord injuries (SCI) among labourers in Kenya's rapidly expanding construction sector.

Focusing on cases from 2016 to 2020 at three major hospitals—Coast General Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, and Machakos Level 5 Hospital—the research highlights the critical dangers faced by construction workers, popularly referred to as "mjengo." The data underscore a significant crisis, with falls from heights responsible for 42.25% of reported SCI cases. These incidents are largely attributed to a lack of safety measures and inadequate training for workers, raising urgent concerns about occupational health standards in the construction industry.

Many mjengo workers find themselves in dangerous environments without vital safety equipment, such as harnesses and stable scaffolding, leading to severe injuries. While falls within the construction context emerge as a major concern, road traffic collisions remain the leading cause of SCIs in Kenya, contributing to 45% of cases. The hazardous nature of boda bodas, or motorcycle taxis, intensifies this problem.

Key factors such as reckless driving, poor road conditions, and a lack of safety gear are significant contributors to these injuries. The researchers advocate for the implementation of stricter traffic regulations to alleviate such risks. Additionally, violence represents another notable factor in the rise of SCIs, with gunshot wounds accounting for 7% of the cases.

This statistic points to underlying societal issues, and the study calls for enhanced law enforcement and community initiatives to tackle violence, which is increasingly recognized as a public health crisis. Disease-related SCIs, which represent 4.23% of the total cases, emphasize the need of early diagnosis and intervention to avert spinal damage. Although sports-related injuries account for a smaller fraction at 1.41%, the researchers note that these incidents should not be disregarded.

Published in the Journal of Physiotherapy, the study sheds light on the occupational hazards endangering mjengo workers and advocates for immediate reforms. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive workplace safety protocols and regulatory oversight to protect the lives and well-being of these crucial contributors to Kenya's development. According to the study, addressing the multifaceted causes of SCIs is essential for creating a safer and healthier working environment and society overall.