Kakamega County Government has commissioned a medical waste management facility, marking a major milestone in management of medical waste.
The Deputy Governor (DG), Prof. Philip Kutima, who presided over the ceremony at the County General Hospital (CRH), said the plant can shred 400 kilogrammes of waste per hour and clear approximately 60,000 kilogrammes in a day.
“This plant will help in management of medical waste generated from health facilities across the County,” he said.
He stated that the plant will be bio-digesting the waste to get out safe waste from what is collected from all the Sub-counties.
The DG said one plant operator, five bio-medical technologists and seven health workers have been trained to handle the machines.
Prof. Kutima noted that in addition to the local health facilities, neighbouring counties are also expected to make use of the facility and hence enhancing the revenue generated locally.
“The County is developing a Health Care Waste Policy that will provide a framework for operationalization of waste treatment and disposal which will include charges, disposal, maintenance and human resource,” he explained.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services Collins Matemba termed the project a game changer in the health sector and assured partners that his ministry will ensure efficient and efficient functioning of the equipment.
The partners include the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Council of Governors (CoG) and the Belgium Government.
By Sammy Mwibanda
