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A REPORT ON A FIELD ATTACHMENT AT CHUKA HOSPITAL LOCATED IN CHUKA TOWN WITHIN

THARAKA NITHI COUNTY.
BY GITONGA MELAVIN MUTHAMAKI Q126/3261/2012
A FIELD ATTACHMENT REPORT SUBMITTED TO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC
HEALTH IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE AWARD OF A BACHELORS DEGREE IN SCIENCE
(POPULATION HEALTH)
September 2014

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The attachment was supervised by:
Host Supervisor:
MR. JOHN MWENDA
University Supervisor:
DR. JOAN MURUGI NJAGI

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Sincere thanks goes to the lecturers at Kenyatta University Main Campus, School of Public
Health for their dedication in equipping me with the necessary knowledge and their
immeasurable interaction with and mentorship to their students. I owe special thanks to Mr.
Wako, the Deputy Public Health Officer, , Chuka County Public Health Office, my host
supervisors, for giving me the opportunity to be attached in their office and for giving me their
unreserved advise, guidance, technical and academic support. Special thanks also go to Dr. Joan
Njagi, my university supervisor, for her sincere assessment of my work and for directing me in
ensuring the success of my attachment. I would also like to thank my colleague attaches and
interns at Chuka District Hospital and Chuka County Public Health office for their insights,
constant guidance and encouragement throughout the entire attachment period. I also thank
my classmates and family members for their unrelenting encouragement, advice and
companionship. Gratitude also goes to Mr. Michael Mwiti for accommodating me the whole
time I was doing my attachment. To crown it all, immense gratitude goes to The Almighty God
for making the attachment possible and successful and for granting me life.

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ABSTRACT

This attachment report outlines the skills and experiences acquired while on a field attachment
as Population Health Officer at Chuka District Hospital and Chuka County Public Health Office
for the award of a Bachelors Degree in Science (Population Health) between 5
th
May and 5
st

August 2014. This report outlines various aspects of this period such as; The history of Chuka
District Hospital, their objectives and mission, evaluation of these objectives and
recommendations to achieve them, various duties performed, a profile of skills gained and
experiences achieved, challenges met during the attachment.

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ACRONYMS
PHO- Public Health Officer


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Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 2
ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................................ 3
ACRONYMS ..................................................................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................................................. 6
1.0. Chuka District Hospital ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.1. History of the hospital .................................................................................................. 6
1.2. Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 7
1.3. Mission .......................................................................................................................... 8
1.4. Mandate ..................................................................................................................... 10
1.5. Vision .......................................................................................................................... 10
1.6. Motto .......................................................................................................................... 10
1.7. Core values ................................................................................................................. 10
1.8. Location of the Office ................................................................................................. 10
CHAPTER TWO .............................................................................................................................. 12
1.0. SECTION I WAS ATTACHED IN ........................................................................................ 12
1.1. Department of Environment Education, Information and Public Participation: ....... 12
1.2. Finance and Administration ....................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER THREE ............................................................................................................................ 14


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CHAPTER ONE
1.0. Chuka District Hospital
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is established under the
Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) No. 8 of 1999, as the principal
instrument of government in the implementation of all policies relating to the environment.

The Authority became operational on 1st July 2002 following the merger of three government
departments, namely: the National Environment Secretariat (NES), the Permanent Presidential
Commission on Soil Conservation and Afforestation (PPCSCA), and the Department of Resource
Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS). However, following government restructuring in March
2003, DRSRS reverted to its departmental status under the then Ministry of Environment and
Natural Resources (MENR). There was a transition period characterised by the integration of
previous departmental activities and appointment of the first Board of Management.
The enactment of EMCA, 1999 was a milestone in promoting sustainable environmental
management in the country. The Act provides for the harmonization of about 77 sectoral
statutes, which address aspects of the environment. Some sectoral statutes have inadequate
provisions for prosecution of environmental offenders, while in some penalties are not
sufficiently punitive to deter offenders. EMCA, 1999 provides an institutional framework and
procedures for management of the environment, including provisions for conflict resolution.

Section 3 of EMCA, 1999 states that Every person in Kenya is entitled to a clean and healthy
environment and has the duty to safeguard and enhance the environment. The Act is intended
to ensure that our activities do not compromise the capacity of the resource base to meet the
needs of the present generation as well as those of future generations (WCED, 1987)
1.1. Core functions of the Authority
Coordinating the various environmental management activities
being undertaken by the lead agencies
Promote the integration of environmental considerations into
development policies, plans, programs and projects, with a view
to ensuring the proper management and rational utilization of
environmental resources, on sustainable yield basis, for the
improvement of the quality of human life in Kenya.
To take stock of the natural resources in Kenya and their
utilization and conservation.
To establish and review land use guidelines.
Examine land use patterns to determine their impact on the quality and quantity of natural
resources.
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Carry out surveys, which will assist in the proper management and conservation of the
environment.
Advise the Government on legislative and other measures for the management of the
environment or the implementation of relevant international conventions, treaties and
agreements.
Advise the Government on regional and international conventions, treaties and
agreements to which Kenya should be a party and follow up the implementation of such
agreements.
Undertake and coordinate research, investigation and surveys, collect, collate and
disseminate information on the findings of such research, investigations or surveys.
Mobilize and monitor the use of financial and human resources for environmental
management.
Identify projects and programs for which environmental audit or environmental
monitoring must be conducted under this Act.
Initiate and evolve procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents, which may
cause environmental degradation and evolve remedial measures where accidents occur
e.g. floods, landslides and oil spills.
Monitor and assess activities, including activities being carried out by relevant lead
agencies, in order to ensure that the environment is not degraded by such activities.
Management objectives must be adhered to and adequate early warning on impending
environmental emergencies is given.
Undertake, in cooperation with relevant lead agencies, programs intended to
enhance environmental education and public awareness, about the need for sound
environmental management, as well as for enlisting public support and encouraging the
effort made by other entities in that regard.
Publish and disseminate manual codes or guidelines relating to environmental
management and prevention or abatement of environmental degradation.
Render advice and technical support, where possible, to entities engaged in natural
resources management and environmental protection, so as to enable them to carry out
their responsibilities satisfactorily.
Prepare and issue an annual report on the State of Environment in Kenya and in this
regard, may direct any lead agency to prepare and submit to it a report on the state of the
sector of the environment under the administration of that lead agency.
1.2. Organization structure
In order to implement its core functions, the Authority has established six departments and one
sub-department.
Directorate
Compliance and Enforcement department (C&E)
Environmental Planning and Research Coordination Department (EPRC)
Department Environment Education, Information and Public Participation
Legal Services Department
Finance and Administration
Coastal, Marine & Fresh water Sub-Department
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1.3. The NEMA Board of Management
The Authority is managed by a Board of Directors that provides effective leadership and control.
It provides the overall policy guidelines for effective operations of the Authority in terms of
approving the NEMAs strategy and ensuring best practice of corporate governance. In this
regard, the Board has developed and adopted a charter in conformity to the principles of good
corporate governance.
Mr. Maluki Kitili Mwendwa is the chairman of NEMA Board of Management He holds an
MBA (Finance and Entrepreneurial Management) from Wharton School, University of
Pennsylvania, USA and a BA (Hons) Economics and Commerce from the University of Hull,
UK. He has been involved in planning, strategy formulation and implementation, product
development and management, including human resources training and recruiting both locally
and internationally. Maluki was appointed to the NEMA board on 23rd November 2005.
Prof. Geoffrey Wahungu NEMA Director General
The new NEMA Director General Professor Geoffrey Wahungu was the Dean of Natural
Resources and Environmental Studies at Karatina University College, a constituent college of
Moi university.
Ms. RoseMary Murugu Board member: Chairperson, Publicity and Outreach Committee of the
NEMA board of management.
Mr. Erastus Wahome Alternate member Ministry of Finance
Mr. Erastus Wahome was appointed Board Member in 2011. He is an Economist and holds a
Masters and Post graduate Degrees in Economics from the Monash University, Melbourne,
Australia and a Bachelor Degree from the University of Nairobi. Prior to assuming his current
position as Chief Economist, he had worked in other Government Ministries and served in
various positions. He served as an advisor to the Secretary Generals of COMESA and EAC,
IGAD and IOC under the auspices of the Inter-Regional Coordinating Committee (IRCC)
between 2006 - 2009. He is an expert on regional integration issues and climate change. He has
served as coordinator and expert in many regional and international conferences in the field of
trade and regional integration, climate policy development and climate finance among others
Mr. Sam Ogutha is a Member Board of Management as Chairman Finance and Human
Resources Committee
Ms. Njeri Mwangi (Alternate member) Attorney Generals Representative)
Ms. Njeri Mwangi Wachira is the Alternate Director to the Hon. Attorney-General. She has a
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Nairobi and a Masters in Public
International Law (LL.M) degree from Lund University, Sweden. She is a Senior Deputy Chief
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State Counsel, Department of Treaties & Agreements with vast experience in litigation, human
rights and international humanitarian law, environmental law, regional integration, commercial
and finance law and public international law.
Ms. Kulamo Bullo Nema Board Member
Ms. Kulamo Bullo is the chairperson of Liaison Standards and Implementation Committee. She
is a graduate from Kenyatta University and also has a Master of Arts degree in Communication
Studies from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is also a senior editor at the Kenya Literature
Bureau. She was appointed to NEMA board on 13th January, 2010.
Mr. Ali Noor Ismail, Board member
Mr. Ali Noor Ismail is the chairman of the Research and Planning committee of the board. He
holds an M Sc degree in Human Resource Development from University of Manchester UK,
a law degree from University of Nairobi, and a BA (Hons) (Government and Sociology) from
University of Nairobi He is an accomplished administrator with over 26 years experience in
management and leadership.. He is currently the Executive Director Human Resources and
Administration, National Bank of Kenya.
Dr. Susan Mwamlole Board member
Dr. Susan Mwamlole is the chairman of Audit, Governance and Risk Management
Committee of the NEMA board. She holds a degree in Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the
University of Nairobi. A masters in Dental Public Health from University if London and a
Diploma in Dental Public Health from the Royal College of Surgeon England. Experience in
Public administration,management and Public Health having worked at senior level in the Public
Sector in and out of the country. Currently in Private Practice.
Dr. Ayub Macharia-Director EEIPP
Dr. Ayub Macharia is the director of Environmental Education, Information and Public
Participation. He holds a B.Ed. in Botany and zoology, a Masters in Environmental Science and
a PhD in Environmental Education, the latter from Rhodes University in South Africa.
Dr. Kennedy Ondimu - Director
Dr. Kennedy Ondimu is the Director Environmental Planning and Research Coordination. He
hold a BA (Geography) and MA (Planning) from University of Nairobi and a PhD in
Environmental Planning and Management from Moi University. He has over 20 years experience
in environment planning and management, fundraising and managing donor projects. He has
published widely on environmental management in international journals.
Mr. Malwa Langwen-Director Compliance and Enforcement
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Langwen is the Director of Compliance and Enforcement. He holds a BSC in Chemistry from the
University of Nairobi and a MSc. in Environmental Pollution Control from the University of
Leeds, UK. He has over 20 years experience in environmental management and pollution
control.
1.4. Mandate
It is a government parastatal which is the principal agency of the government in all matters
relating to environmental management.
1.5. Vision
To be a world-class Environmental Authority that ensures a clean and healthy environment for
all
Mission
Safeguard and enhance the quality of the environment through coordination, research,
facilitation and enforcement, while encouraging responsible individual, corporate and collective
participation towards sustainable development.
1.6. Motto
Our environment, our life, our responsibility
1.7. Core values
Team work and partnership building; efficiency and effectiveness; accountability and
transparency, excellence and professionalism; creativity and innovation; courage of conviction;
sensitivity and responsiveness and result oriented.
1.8. Location of the Office
NEMA has its headquarters in Popo Road, South C, Nairobi, but with the current
introduction of the county government, its duties have been decentralized to the various
county offices.
I was attached to the Office of the County Director of Environment, Homa Bay County,
Department of Finance and Administration, which is currently in the District Lands Offices
Homabay District.
Homa Bay County is located in the now defunct Nyanza Province; it borders Lake Victoria to
the West and North, and the following counties; Kisumu and Kericho to the North East, Nyamira
and Kisii to the East, and Migori to the South. It covers 3,183.3 Km
2
.
Temperatures range from a mean annual minimum of 17.1C to a mean maximum of 34.8C,
with rainfall amounts of between 250mm and 700mm per annum.
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Road Network: Bitumen Surface (101.8 Km), Gravel Surface (415.4 Km), Earth Surface (604.6
Km)
Key National Monuments include Ruma National Park, Tom Mboya Mausoleum, etc.
Population: 963,794 (Male 48 %, Female 52 %)
Population Density: 303 people per Km 2
National Percentage: 2.5 %
Annual Growth Rate: 2.7 %
Age Distribution: 0-14 years (48.1 %), 15-64 years (48.2 %), 65+ years (3.7 %)
Number of Households: 206,255
County Capital: Homa Bay Town.
The constituencies within the county are Gwasi, Karachuonyo, Kasipul, Kabondo, Mbita,
Ndhiwa and Rangwe.
Number of Local Authorities (2010): 7 (Town councils of Mbita Point, Oyugis, and Kendu
Bay, County council of Suba, Rachuonyo North, Rachuonyo South, and Municipal Council of
Homa Bay)
Poverty Level: 50.2 %
Age Dependency Ratio: 100:107
Resources: Water, Arable Land, Livestock, Pasture, Wildlife
Tourist Attractions: Ruma National Park, Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Rusinga and
Mfangano Islands, Kanjera Archaeological site, Volcanic Lake Simbi Nyaima in Karachuonyo,
Mt. Homa
Main Economic Activities/industries: Fishing and fish trade, Fish Processing, Commercial
Businesses
Agricultural products include Maize, Millet, Cassava, Sunflower
Health Facilities: 164 District Hospitals (4), Sub-District Hospitals (7), Dispensaries (88),
Health Centres (38), Medical Clinics (14), VCT Centres (7), Other (1)
Doctor to Population Ratio: 1:150,000 (Rachuonyo), 1:85,000 (Suba), 1:38,707 (Homa Bay)
Infant Mortality Rates: 87/1000 (Rachuonyo), 110/1000 (Suba), 137/1000 (Homa Bay)
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CHAPTER TWO
1.0. SECTION I WAS ATTACHED IN
I was attached in the Department Environment Education, Information and Public Participation,
and the department of Finance and Administration which are mandated with the following
duties:
1.1. Department of Environment Education, Information and Public Participation:
The Department of Environmental Education, Information and Public Participation
(EEIPP) provide strategies for Education and awareness creation activities as well as
services for the authority.
Kenya's ability to meet environment threats at home and abroad is in extricable linked with the
priority it places on environmental education/awareness programs. Environmental issues are
frequently complex and contested. Without a firm, educated basis of knowledge and understand,
progress on environmental issues becomes haphazard, uncertain and unlikely.
The department addresses provisions of EMCA 1999, as contained in part 3 sections 9(m)
which mandates NEMA to Undertake cooperation with lead agencies, programmes intended to
enhance environmental education and public awareness about the need for sound environmental
management as well as for enlisting public support and encouraging the efforts made by other
entities regarding the same.
The department is divided into the following sections, namely:
Environmental Education and Information
Awareness and public participation
1.1.1. Functions of the department
The department develops, publishes and disseminates environmental education and
awareness materials eg. Posters, Brochures, Magazines and stickers. These materials are
supplied during public engagement meetings such as the ASK shows and trade fairs,
environment days, public service week, among others.
It also publicizes environmental matters and facilitates public participation and
partnerships in environmental management programs.
It manages the NEMA website where most of the information materials can be
downloaded.
It also organizes environmental events such as World Environment day.
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The department has started a Environment capacity building program to address the
challenges of the environmental management by offering short courses

1.1.2. Recent activities of the department
Implementation of Education for Sustainable Dev. (ESD)
Environment capacity building and develop training materials
Disseminate information materials Information Centers
Develop environmental information for the NEMA website
Provide a wide range of information to the researchers from tertiary and secondary
institutions
Co-ordination of RCEs in Kenya
Creating awareness on the regulations through workshops and seminars
Coordinate the establishment of green points
Development of awareness materials brochures posters and booklets
Actively participate in ASK shows
1.2. Finance and Administration
The Finance and Administration supports the operations of other departments of the Authority. It
ensures effective administration, servicing of activities through financing, human resource
development, IT services provision and other logistical support. The department has the
following sections; Human Resources and Administration, ICT, Accounts and Procurement
sections.
1.2.1. Functions of the department
The main functions of the department include;
Effective Financial Management and Control systems;
Ensuring revenue collection, EIA and other receipts due to the Government are
collected promptly banked and accounted for;
Ensure that pre-audit of the relevant documents is carried out;
Ensuring timely processing of all financial reports;
Establishing effective ICT Infrastructure and MIS and ensure the organization utilizes
most current technology in operation to improve productivity.
Ensuring a high degree of professionalism, continuous capacity building, competitive
remuneration and conducive working environments for staff.
Ensuring effective deployment and prudent development of human resources;
Ensuring efficient management of organizations resources, including vehicles, office
equipment and buildings;
Formulating, recommending and implementing sound financial control policy for NEMA
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Advising the Director General on all matters relating to the finances of the Authority
Liaising with NEMAs independent auditors. Ensuring that all financial accounts and
records meet management, donor and other stakeholder requirements
Ensuring that all accounting operations are effectively and efficiently performed
Maintaining effective financial control over the assets and liabilities, income and
disbursements.
Preparing and maintaining periodic financial, analytical, and interpretive reports for the
Management.
Ensuring effective procurement through competitive tendering and efficient stores
management adhering to quantity and quality specifications
CHAPTER THREE
ATTACHMENT DETAILS
DUTIES PERFORMED
In this chapter, I describe the general and specific activities I performed while on the
attachment.
General Duties`
General office administration
NEMA Homa Bay County Office operates from 8am to 5pm on weekdays. It was my duty to
ensure that the offices are open cleaned and ready before the operation time. I also ensured
that all duties assigned to me by my supervisors were promptly executed.
Customer Care
I spent most of my time during the attachment on the customer care desk where I ensured that
all customers/clients needs are properly taken care of. All the cases I could not handle I
forwarded to my supervisors. I received complaints and concerns from the public, recorded
them and forwarded them to my supervisors for responses.
Data handling
I was also entrusted with the duty of typing the data to be stored in soft copy in the
organizations computers, and also filed the data received and stored in hard copy for example;
I received and filed EIA and EA reports from development proponents; and filing of payment
receipts.
I also photocopied and scanned documents to be issued to clients in duplicates.
Specific Duties
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Along with the general duties, I was also given certain specific duties that are related to my field
of study. Among those were:
Compliance and enforcement of EMCA 1999 and its regulations
Conducting environmental inspections and field visits
Carrying out surveillance and surveys on environmental issues in the county
Environmental reporting and recording
Processing of EIA reports
Community mobilization and barazas for environmental awareness creation
Reviewing and evaluation of EIAs reports
SKILLS ACQUIRED
In performing my routine duty on the customer care desk, I learnt more about customer and
client relation skills. I managed to interact with the clients who had come to make reports,
make enquiries and the proponents who had brought in their EIA reports and EA reports for
reviewing by NEMA. Through interacting with them and responding to their needs, I acquired
great skills of relating with a wide variety of people. Some of them even challenged me and
gave me some insight into real life lessons.
Through my interaction with my supervisors and other heads of other departments and offices,
I learnt more about networking. My field supervisor taught me much about how to network
and how to meet my potential employers, how to obtain their contacts and how to sell my
skills.
I also gained data entry skills and data management skills. By typing and handling the
organizations data, I learnt about the different filing systems, orderliness in data storage, I
gained more experience in using Ms Word and Ms Excel.
Office administration skills: these I gained through the long times that I spent in the office of
the County Director of Environment.
I developed a routine of punctuality. Since I was the one expected to open the offices early
enough to ensure that they are ready before 8am, I had to wake up very early and be prompt in
reaching the office. At first it was a challenge, but later it became part of my daily routine, it has
since then become my habit.
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I also gained skills for identifying the major environmental issues. By reading the articles,
brochures, flyers and books in the organizations library during the times when I was in the
office, I learnt more about the major environmental issues in the region and how to identify
them. The inspections I went to also helped build up this skill.
I also gained inspection skills through observing how my supervisors conducted them.
Community mobilization and awareness creation skills: Trough going out on awareness creation
campaigns and Barazas, I gained practical skills in creating environmental awareness.
CHALLENGES
Obtaining the attachment was very challenging, I almost missed the chance. Out of all the 20
organizations I applied to, only one responded, but just to tell me that they are sorry my
application reached them late. My late and desperate application to NEMA is what landed me
in the attachment.
During the start of the attachment, there were lots of rains that really made movement an
issue, lots of mud that resulted really brought a challenge in maintaining presentable and neat
office attire. It also affected my punctuality.
I was attached in Homabay, a place I am alien to, there was the challenge of finding a good
place to stay, which is close to the town where the offices are located. I also had to make new
friends which was really challenging.
I got my attachment in a remote area where there are very little development activities that
require environmental monitoring by the Authority. There were therefore very few instances
when I was sent on inspection visits; this hindered me from acquiring enough practical skills as
was the aim of the attachment.
We did our attachment during a transition period in which the governance system was moving
from the national government to the county governance, so there were challenges in allocation
of funds by the Government; this meant that some inspection visits and some awareness
creation campaigns could not be facilitated by NEMA, hence further reducing the amount of
practical/field work to be done.
Duplication of efforts was another challenge. In Homabay County, there are many bodies
dealing with environmental issues and protection. These bodies include Public Health Office,
Kenya Forest Services Office, Municipal Council office, NEMA, County Water Company,
Municipal Sewage Company. These bodies do not work in unison but try to deal with the same
things on their own terms; this made it very hard to deal with the identified and reported
environmental issues of concern.
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Language barrier was another challenge. When we went to enlighten the community about the
functions of NEMA or when clients, proponents and other developers came to the office for
enquiries, there was a challenge in translating some of the terminologies into the local
language, Luo.
AREAS I USED MY SKILLS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
My knowledge of the basic computer packages, e.g. Ms Word and Ms Excel, was very useful in
the data entry for the organization.
My ability to type fast helped in typing letters and documents even in emergency situations
My knowledge of environmental issues of concern helped in identifying environmental crimes
committed in the county.
My prior training of statistical methods proved very valuable especially in the collection,
storage and retrieval of data.
My good communication skills helped in the handling of client and customer needs and in
creating environmental awareness.




CHAPTER FOUR
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN UNIVERSITY TRAINING AND PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE
During the practicum period, I realized that there are very many areas where the university
training was relevant to the activities carried out during the attachment, such relationships
include:
Solid waste management; we have been taught a unit on solid waste management, the
different methods of solid waste management like dumping, incineration, recycling, etc. NEMA
carries out waste management inspections on a regular basis; they enact the EMCA law that
provides that for any organization to handle wastes, they have to apply for a waste handling
license, waste transporting license, and waste dumping license.
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Water quality management; in the University, we are taught the various sources of water
pollution including the point and non-point sources. The point sources include petrol stations,
processing plants, industries, institutions, residential areas among others.
The non-point sources include farms, roads, etc.
Water quality management is easier in the point sources than in the non-point sources. NEMA
engages in both as they enforce the Water Quality Regulations, 2006. The institutions,
processing plants, industries and the residential establishments are required by The Authority
to apply for effluent discharge licenses and avoid discharging their wastes directly into the
environment. I went for water quality compliance inspection, under the guidance of my field
supervisor, in establishments such as Sukari Industries Limited, Tourist Hotel, Rusinga Lodge,
Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant, and many other sewage generating organizations in Homa
Bay County.
We also visited the lake shore to check on people who establish Car Washes at the lake shore
which lead to lake water pollution.
We also went for inspection at the petrol stations in Homabay County which are required to
have paved dispensing areas, proper drainage and properly functioning interceptor.
However, there were certain failures and limitations that I observed both on the university side
and the organization side;
Failure on the university side
Lack of exposure to practical skills; the university training is focused mainly on theory work than
on practical exposure to actual field events, this means that students who are sent out on
attachments are very ignorant about very many things.
Very little details during lectures; even the theory lectures present very few details that are not
even useful I real life issues, for instance, the trainings concentrate majorly on the basics.
Limitations of the organization
The office to which I was attached does not have an elaborate provision for building up
attachees and interns as we are taught to expect in the university.
In the university, we are taught that NEMA actually carries out an environmental impact
assessment and environmental audits, but I realized that the assessments are done by
professionals registered with NEMA but who are not employees of NEMA, so I was unable to do
an EIA or an EA as I had expected, all I could do was review the EIAs and EAs.
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CHAPTER FIVE
RECOMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UNIVERSITY TRAINING
Students should be involved in more practical work by their lecturers than in theory work.
Lecturers should cover their units extensively and not just concentrate on the basics; students
should be assigned individual supervisors who guide them in research and extensive studies.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE ORGANIZATION
NEMA should have a proper and special program for building up those attached to the office
It should employ receptionists and office administrators so that those attached to the office will
concentrate on gaining practical and relevant skills rather than working in the office as a daily
routine.
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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
I successfully completed a four-month attachment running from May to August 2013 at NEMA
Homabay County Office as a requirement for the completion of my degree course. Homabay
County is located in South Nyanza. Through the attachment, I managed to obtain practical skills
in environmental monitoring and management. The attachment also exposed me to the
practical application of the things I have studied in the University and brought me in contact
with my potential employers.
Though I met challenges during the attachment period, I was able to cope well and complete
with total success.
REFERENCES
- See more at: http://softkenya.com/homa-bay-county