Richard Waita
Phone: +254724 370579
- Location:
- Machakos, Kenya
- Sector:
- Community Outreach and Advocacy
- Profile Created:
- 4 months ago
About me
Richard Kilonzo Waita is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse background in public health, community development, and education. After graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health (Public Health) from Kenyatta University, I achieved second-class honours, upper division. I also hold distinctions in Diplomas in Community Health and Community Development, along with certificates in leadership and mentorship from Kenyatta University and tackling the novel coronavirus from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Professionally, I’m currently serving as the deputy commander in charge of public health enforcement with Nairobi City County. My role involves enforcing public health matters, executing warrants, inspecting premises, and collaborating with health-related sectors to combat infectious diseases through education and promotion. My experience also includes lecturing at the Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences, supervising internship students at Kenya Ports Authority, and managing programs at Help Age International.
Despite coming from a background with limited resources, I worked very hard to pursue my University education. My journey from humble beginnings to a leadership role in public health enforcement showcases my resilience and dedication to improving community health.
Skills
Education
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London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, England(UK) 2020 - 2020
Certificate in Tackling the Novel Corona Virus
I Passed the Certificate of Tackling the Novel Corona Virus in 2020 from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. This has helped me to tackle various novel infectious diseases.
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Kenyatta University, Kenya 2016 - 2016
Certificate in Leadership Development and Mentorship
A Certificate in Leadership Development and Mentorship from Kenyatta University has equipped me with knowledge and skills in leadership, including problem-solving skills, leadership strategies, and leadership styles.
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Kenyatta University, Kenya 2013 - 2017
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health/Public Health from Kenyatta University, where I graduated with Second Class Honours Upper Division in 2018. During my studies, I gained comprehensive knowledge and skills in public health practices, environmental health, disease prevention, and health promotion. The program equipped me with a strong foundation in assessing and managing public health risks, implementing health interventions, and conducting health education and promotion activities. This academic achievement reflects my dedication and capability in the field of public health, and it has prepared me well for my professional career in public health enforcement and community health development.
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Thika School of Medical and Health Science, Kenya 2010 - 2011
Diploma in Community Health and Development
I graduated with a Diploma in Community Health and Development from the Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences with Distinction. This accomplishment has enabled me to contribute significantly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 16, and 17.
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Thika School of Medical and Health Science, Kenya 2010 - 2011
Diploma in Social Work and Community Development
A Diploma in Social Work and Community Development from the Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, and 6.
Experience
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Nairobi City County, Nairobi - Kenya 2021 - Present
Deputy Commander, Public Health Enforcement.
As the Deputy Public Health Enforcement Officer in charge of operations for Nairobi City County, my duties include: • Executing Warrants: Enforcing legal orders related to public health violations. • Inspecting Premises: Conducting thorough inspections of businesses, residential areas, and public spaces to ensure compliance with health regulations. • Strengthening Collaborations: Working closely with various health-related sectors and stakeholders to promote public health initiatives. • Health Education and Promotion: Leading efforts to educate the public on health matters and promote healthy behaviours. • Disease Prevention and Control: Implementing strategies to prevent and control communicable diseases within the community. • Policy Implementation: Assisting in the development and enforcement of public health policies and regulations. • Data Management and Reporting: Collecting and analyzing health data to inform decision-making and reporting on public health issues. • These responsibilities contribute to the overall goal of improving public health and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the residents of Nairobi City County. • In charge of operations of the Public Health Enforcement Unit in Nairobi County. • Representing the County Director and Chief Officer on weekend monitoring of officers in Sub-Counties in their duties. •Supervising a team of enforcement constables and sergeants in the area of jurisdiction (Public Health Enforcement Unit). •Supervising enforcement and compliance with Public Health Acts, including Environmental Management and Coordination Act 1999, OSHA, Foods, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act Cap 254, Public Health Act Cap 242, Meat Control Act Cap 356, Tobacco Control Act 2007, Tobacco Control Regulations 2014, Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Act 2021, and Nairobi County By-Laws. • Enforcing general public health issues, public policy and administration, and tobacco control enforcement and advocacy. • Educating the public on environmental issues and compliance with regulations •Enforcing Environmental and Health Laws and Regulations. •Execution of Warrant of Arrest for the default of attending court proceedings. •Investigating complaints about potential environmental violations and conducting follow-up audits to ensure compliance with established guidelines. •Maintaining records of environmental data and samples collected during investigations. Inspecting and recommending application of licenses for businesses. •Surveillance, sampling and testing of food products in supermarkets and food outlets. •Providing advisory services to stakeholders, compliance, and licensing department in-charges. •Carrying out investigations and providing intelligent reports to the Director of Enforcement. •Organizing regulatory and stakeholder forums to enhance compliance. •Implementing relevant enforcement laws, policies, systems, standards and procedures. •Collaborating with other enforcement agencies in the course of work, including the investigation department and the National Police Service. •Enforcing and Implementing County policies and plans. •Writing daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly Public Health Enforcement Reports. • Maintain proper records relating to enforcement work, including custody of seized exhibits. •Seizing contravening tobacco products with either Seizure Form A or B, including Vape and Shisha, among others, as outlined in the Tobacco Control Act 2007, Section 36-38. • Prepare reports and statements and attend courts to give evidence or testimony relating to the prosecution of violators. • Representing the Unit to the stakeholders and other government partners. •Implementing annual enforcement work plans and preparing annual enforcement reports.
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Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences, Thika - Kenya 2018 - 2021
Lecturer
• As a lecturer in the Department of Health and Social Work at Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences, my duties included: • Lecturing: Teaching courses related to health and social work to students pursuing Diploma and Certificate programs. • Supervising Research: Guiding and mentoring students through their research projects, ensuring they meet academic standards and requirements. • Curriculum Development: Contributing to the development and updating of course materials and curriculum to stay current with industry standards and advancements. • Student Assessment: Evaluating student performance through exams, assignments, and practical assessments. • Academic Advising: Providing academic support and career advice to students to help them achieve their educational and professional goals. • Collaborative Projects: Engaging in collaborative projects and activities that enhance the learning experience and practical skills of the students. • These responsibilities ensured the delivery of high-quality education and supported the academic and professional growth of the students. •Appointed by the Head of Department to collect and mark all research Proposals and Projects for students undertaking their Diploma and Certificate courses, logbooks and attachment reports for all students from attachment. • I coordinated academic trips. •I ensured that the students covered all the units in the curriculum, as stipulated in the syllabus. • Supervise students in the department in research proposal and research project development. • Monitoring students’ discipline and handling any indiscipline case for disciplinary process, • Checked class attendance by students and reported any missing students in the department. • I handed over the results for all units to the exam coordinator on time. • Prepared the list of students in the department for special and supplementary examinations. • Submitting the examination and continuous assessment tests to the exam coordinator. • Coordinated students’ clinicals and practicals as stipulated in the curriculum and followed them appropriately. • In liaison with the Head of the Department, plans and monitors students on attachment and clinical practice, including their assessments. Observe any gap in the curriculum and report to the Head of Department per the curriculum review policy. • I presented any arising matters to the Head of Department. • Prepared schemes of work/course outlines and issued termly progress reports to the head mentoring students and planning lecturers. • Training Community Health and Environmental Health students. • I prepared and guided students in doing research, making contact, and teaching time with students. • Checked and assessed students’ work, encouraged personal development via tutorial or pastoral work, invigilated examinations, and attended staff meetings.
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Kenya Ports Authority, Mombasa - Kenya 2016 - 2016
Environmental Health Officer
• I monitored environmental pollution and Hazardous waste management in the entire Kenya Ports Authority. • Developing policies, procedures, and guidelines for department operations, such as data management or safety procedures. • Inspecting facilities that may pose a risk to public health or the environment, such as chemical plants, power plants, oil refineries, landfills, sewage treatment plants, and industrial waste sites. • Conducting research and analysis on topics such as environmental impact, pollution prevention techniques, and government regulations related to environmental issues • Preparing reports, maps, charts, and other documentation detailing findings from inspections or research projects •Recommending changes in laws or regulations based on findings from research projects or investigations. • Conducting site inspections to identify environmental hazards and make recommendations for corrective action • Conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Auditing. • I monitored environmental pollution and solid-liquid waste management. • I vaccinate against yellow fever to international travellers. • Inspected institutions and audited compliance levels of occupational health and safety of all workers. • Participated in environmental health stakeholder’s consortium. • I inspected the food premises and issued compliance certificates. • I issued the notice to comply with regulatory requirements. • Controlled pollution, participated in environmental management workshops, and conducted health education and promotion.
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Coast Provincial General Hospital, Mombasa - Kenya 2015 - 2015
Public Health Officer
• Disease Surveillance and Infectious Disease Response System (IDRS). • Mobilizing, sensitizing and advising Hospital peripheral communities on matters relating to environmental health. • Identifying environmental health issues. • Implementing vector, vermin and rodent control measures. • Implementing integrated mosquito control strategies. • Vaccination of ant rabies. • Conducting investigations and inspections. • Enforcement of the acts and regulations; incident response; carrying out monitoring, licensing and assessment activities; and providing technical advice. • Promoting Family Planning and Maternal Child Health. • Nutritional counselling and nutritional assessment. • Issuance of supplementary food and Port Health inspection. • I conducted the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Auditing. • I participated in various hospital workshops and seminars on the management of Cholera cases. • Maintenance of Hospital hygiene. And Continuous Improvement(Kaizen). • We were involved in data collection, data entry, and report writing. • Health education and promotion. • Participating in stakeholder meetings. • I managed hospital Solid and liquid waste and Monitored environmental pollution activities.
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Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, Kiambu - Kenya 2014 - 2014
Public Health Officer
• Enforcement of Public Health Laws. • Inspecting restaurants and Report writing. • Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Auditing. • Solid and Liquid Waste Management. • I promoted Occupational Health and Safety(OSH) monitoring, working closely with the Environmental office to manage related environmental issues. • Inspection of premises and issuance of certificates of health • Training of Support groups. • I Monitored environmental defects. • Coordinated all water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects, as well as environmental management and sustainability.
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Help Age International/Kenya, Machakos - Kenya 2012 - 2013
Programme Manager
• Planned and trained community members. • I Formed community-based organizations, self-help groups, youth groups, and support groups. I also represented the organization to other stakeholders, wrote the proposal, raised funds, planned seminars, and trained the community. • Researched data development and procured project requirements. • I performed administrative activities, financed group activities, managed petty cash, and purchased required goods. • Wrote reports monthly and quarterly. • Monitored and evaluated group activities, cash budgeting, and auditing. • Create a singular vision, and that provides unity and inspiration within an organization • Lead and manage by motivating employees to remain optimistic even when faced with challenges and encouraging good performance and values. • Allocate resources and supplies to ensure staff and volunteers can complete their responsibilities to their highest potential. • Create programs and challenges that are as effective and efficient as possible. • Ensure that all implemented activities are relevant to the mission and vision of the organization. • Engage the external community to build and maintain essential relationships. • Invest in building relationships, both with the outside community and with the population that the NGO is targeting. • Support and connect with the population targeted by the NGO. • Be the public face of the NGO. • Carry out fundraising efforts with only the highest ethical standards. • Identify fundraising strategies that benefit and complement the mission and vision of the NGO.
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Benevolent Institute of Development Initiatives, Machakos - Kenya 2012 - 2012
Field Officer
• I Trained community members on sustainable agriculture, Governance, Community Dialogue, and civic education. • Advocated for child rights and child protection. • I formed a community-based organization, support groups, and youth groups. • I conducted outreach programs in the communities. • I trained community members on micro-saving and credit schemes. • I liaised with other developmental organizations, such as AMREF, Irish Aid Kenya, Aphia Plus Eastern, Christian Aid, and the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation for project support. • I participated in a youth symposium for HIV/AIDs and empowerment. • Participated in project auditing, proposal writing, and report writing monthly and quarterly.
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Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Machakos - Kenya 2012 - 2012
Medical Social Worker
• Social work department. Social work services for mentally ill patients, forensic psychiatry, Researched data, psychosocial work, managed Mentally Ill, clerked patients, counselled patients, including those who have experienced trauma, Evaluated socioeconomic status of patients by considering waiving Hospital bills, repatriated patients, following absconded patients. • Public health and sanitation department. Managed hospital waste and disposal, managed environment sanitation, community health education, and promotion, trained community health workers, Researched prevalence and incidence of diseases, data entry, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Inspected premises. Maternal child health (MCH): Nutritional counselling, family planning, prevention of mother-to-child (PMTC), immunization, and supplementation of Vitamin A. • Comprehensive Care Centre clinic. (CCC) I advised on drug adherence counselling for HIV/AIDs
Expertise
Honors & awards
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Outstanding Community Change Agent 2012
Outstanding Community Change Agent
I was awarded for my extraordinary work in changing the lives of communities in Machakos County.
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Best Lecturer in the Campus 2020
Best Lecturer in the Campus
I got this award for my extra performance work while working as a lecturer at the Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences.
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Best Dressed Lecturer 2018
Best Dressed Lecturer
I was awarded a prize for being the best-dressed male lecturer at Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences, Nairobi Campus.