NAKURU – Governor Susan Kihika of Nakuru has pledged enhanced security measures for medical professionals in the wake of a tragic incident at Nakuru Level Five Hospital. The hospital recently established additional call rooms for doctors and interns to improve their working conditions.
According to Kenya News Agency, this commitment follows the unfortunate death of Dr. Laban Langat, a 26-year-old medical intern, whose body was discovered in a trench at the hospital’s Margaret Kenyatta Mother-Baby Maternity wing on Saturday. He had been on duty on Friday night. Expressing regret over the incident, Kihika emphasized that the county administration is taking steps to prevent such occurrences in any medical facility across the county.
“We are working closely with investigating officers to ensure a thorough examination of the case and to seek justice for Dr. Korir’s family,” Kihika stated. The administration is focusing on securing workspaces for medics and providing additional call rooms for interns to rest during their service.
Dr. Korir Rotich, an intern at Nakuru Level 5 Hospital, confirmed that the county government had improved lighting and set up eight more call rooms for the 20 interns at the facility. “We are demanding the latest and factual updates on the investigations to regain our confidence,” Dr. Rotich said. He also mentioned that the security firm on duty during the incident is being replaced within two weeks, and stressed the need for the new firm to be competent in supporting service delivery at the facility.
Investigators are continuing to gather information to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the incident. Dr. Titus Ngulungu, a government pathologist, noted that Dr. Langat had sustained injuries to his neck, abdomen, lips, and wrist. The postmortem indicated compression at the neck as the cause of death.
Dr. Obiero Stephen informed that Dr. Langat’s family is preparing for his burial, scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2024.
The Kenyan government has embarked on an ambitious project to construct 10,000 affordable housing units in Murang’a County over the next five years. This initiative is part of the broader affordable housing programme aimed at addressing housing needs across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Central regional director of affordable housing and markets, the construction of 220 housing units is currently underway at the Makenji site in Kandara constituency. This project is expected to be completed by December this year. Muchiri also announced that construction in Kiharu, Kangema, and Maragua constituencies will commence next month. Each constituency is set to have over 200 affordable housing units, with designated lands already allocated for these projects.
The Makenji project, which is progressing smoothly, encompasses 100 two-bedroom units, 60 three-bedroom units, and 60 one-bedroom units on a 2.5-acre land donated by the county government. The units are priced between Sh. 1 million and 3 million. For the Kiharu project, 106 units will be built in its first phase on a 1.6-acre land owned by the Ministry of Housing. In Maragua’s Mitumbiri area, 450 units are planned on a 4-acre plot, while in Kangema, the first phase will see the construction of 120 units on 2 acres of identified land.
Muchiri spoke about these developments during the inauguration of the Murang’a county affordable housing committee on Tuesday. He emphasized the plan to purchase additional two acres of land in each of the other constituencies for the first phase of affordable houses. Residents interested in these housing units can register through the Boma Yangu portal.
The director highlighted the programme’s significant role in employment creation, noting that over 500 workers are engaged daily at the Makenji site, not to mention the indirect beneficiaries like suppliers and local food vendors.
Murang’a County Commissioner Patrick Mukuria called on locals to support the programme, which also includes the development of modern markets in various trading centers such as Kangari and Muthithi. Residents can apply for the houses through the e-citizen online platform or the shortcode message service *832#.
Additionally, Murang’a Director of Housing Ms. Laureen Wasungu urged local jua kali artisans to participate in the housing programme by supplying materials like doors, grills, and windows. Artisans are encouraged to register with the Department of Small and Micro Enterprises to be eligible for these supply tenders.