NAKURU—The Department of Health in Nakuru County has initiated the distribution of essential medications to local health centers, a move aimed at bolstering healthcare services in the region. Ms. Roselyn Mungai, the County Executive Committee Member for Health, observed the distribution process at Kabatini Health Centre in Bahati Sub-County, marking a significant step in ensuring that patients receive timely access to necessary drugs.
According to Kenya News Agency, the distribution system has proven to be effective, with medications reaching Kabatini Health Centre within an hour of departure from county stores. This promptness in delivery is part of the county’s broader efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and efficiency across Nakuru.
During her visit, Ms. Mungai highlighted the high adoption rate of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system at the facility, encompassing areas such as the Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC), Pharmacy, and Record Keeping. She praised the dedication of the young records officers at Kabatini Health Centre for their attention to detail, which ensures accurate tracking and dispensation of drugs for transparency and accountability.
The implementation of medical monitoring and tracking systems was also lauded by Ms. Mungai as a significant advancement towards eradicating drug theft and mismanagement. This technology enables the monitoring of medical supplies from procurement to delivery to the end user, safeguarding the supply chain against losses.
Kabatini Health Centre was commended for meeting its monthly immunization targets and maintaining a high standard of service delivery, as evidenced by the early arrival of the day’s first client at 7:10 am. Ms. Mungai assured the healthcare team of the Department of Health’s continued support in enhancing their non-pharmaceutical supplies and laboratory stocks, as well as addressing infrastructure needs such as fencing in the future.
However, Ms. Mungai refrained from commenting on the impending doctors’ strike announced by the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentist Union (KMPDU), which is set to begin at midnight today.
MARSABIT—In a significant move, the government has mandated the indefinite closure of the lucrative gold mines in Hillo, located in the Moyale sub-county of Marsabit County, citing grave security concerns. The directive, issued by County Commissioner Nobert Komora, comes in the wake of escalating violence and environmental degradation at the mining sites. Artisanal miners and local business operators have been given a 24-hour ultimatum to vacate the premises or face forceful eviction and legal action.
According to Kenya News Agency, the decision was reached by both the county and sub-county intelligence and security committees, which concluded that the mining operations posed a direct threat to national security. The concern arises from recent violent incidents fueled by tribal hatred, resulting in the death of six individuals and injuries to many others. A dispute between two gold miners from different ethnic backgrounds over a significant gold find escalated into a violent clash, exacerbating tensions in the area.
The county commissioner, during an assessment tour of the mining site, also highlighted the adverse environmental impact of the mining activities. The operations have led to severe ecological damage and unsanitary living conditions for the miners, raising the risk of disease outbreaks such as cholera. It was discovered that the area had become a hub for the trade of uncustomed imported goods, including alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and various food items.
Komora’s message to the mining community was stern, especially criticizing criminal behaviors observed during the holy month of Ramadan. He warned that failure to comply with the eviction notice would have severe consequences. The government’s stance is further justified by the loss of revenue and wealth due to the predominance of unlicensed dealing and the significant presence of illegal miners from countries such as Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.
County Police Commander Nyambu Mwakio affirmed that the site would remain closed to the public until further notice. Additionally, the county security committee has urged the Ministry of Mining to consider the reclamation of the areas devastated by mining activities, highlighting the government’s commitment to restoring the environment and maintaining public safety.