This, according to Mr Msafari, meant that HIV/Aids infection was responsible for 80 per cent of the deaths occurring annually among the KRA's 4,000-strong workforce. The KRA chief executive's decision to go public with these scaring figures can only mean that the organisation realises the necessity of a serious awareness campaign.

Of course, many other companies and organisations are concerned about the Aids threat. Even if they do not go public, they will be making an effort to ensure that their employees are well-informed about this new scourge.

Aids has been found to be more prevalent in the most active age group in society. This group, aged between 20 and 50 years, also happens to contribute the bulk of the employees in companies and other organisations. As a result of Aids, many firms are losing staff they have trained at great cost.

In most cases, these are the companies' most experienced workers. The companies are suffering because training replacements is not only costly, it takes plenty of time. As Mr Msafari conceded, the Aids casualties have had a serious impact on the KRA's operations and resources.

The latest statistics from the Kenya National Aids and Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Programme are a damning revelation for industry. It is estimated that 13 to 14 per cent of all adult Kenyans are infected with HIV. Since a sizeable proportion will definitely develop full blown Aids, the impact of the loss of manpower on the economy will be devastating.

It is imperative that the people are reminded time and again that there is no cure for Aids. Since employees spend a sizeable portion of their time at work, employers must get involved in the promotion of Aids awareness among their staff.

Organisations such are the KRA, which are already doing something to help curb Aids-caused deaths among their staff, deserve praise and support. The Aids menace is very real. It can only be kept at bay through a sustained awareness campaign.

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