Kericho County has invested Sh358 million in a new multi-story non-communicable disease centre at Kericho Referral Hospital, set to revolutionize healthcare in the region.
The state-of-the-art facility will feature a modern oncology centre, radiology unit, inpatient wards, isolation cubes, a seven-bed ICU, a modern theatre, a burns unit, offices, and specialist consultation rooms.
Speaking during the ground-breaking event at Kericho County Referral Hospital in Kipchebor Ward, Governor Dr. Erick Mutai emphasized that within two years, no patient from Kericho should have to seek treatment in India or other counties for cancer-related illnesses.
“We want our population to be treated within the county because that is the essence of devolution in order to bring services closer to the people,” he stated.
Dr. Mutai also took a firm stand against land grabbing, warning individuals who had taken over hospital and court land that the law would reclaim it.
“If you have grabbed public land, it is like signing a death certificate for patients. You can take anything, but grabbing a medical facility is the highest level of medical insensitivity,” the governor warned.
The governor further announced a partnership that secured Sh500 million for expanding and equipping medical facilities noting that Kericho Referral Hospital serves not only local residents but also patients from neighbouring counties such as Bomet, Nakuru and Nandi, with 60 percent of patients coming from outside Kericho.
“Cancer machines are very expensive, and having this funding allows us to bring in the same equipment used in India,” he said.
On the other hand, he highlighted infrastructure improvements, revealing that the facility would increase the number of specialised theatres from three to six and establish a functional dialysis unit.
“As we build the facility, we are also equipping personnel so that by the time the contractor hands over, we have a fully operational centre,” he assured.
Beyond healthcare, the governor underscored his administration’s commitment to improving access to clean water, highlighting the Chemosot-Kimulot Water Project in Chemosot Ward, Bureti Sub County.
The Governor while inspecting the project earlier alongside Chemosot MCA Hon. Anita Biegon, Kabianga MCA Hon. Dominic Mutai, and Litein MCA Hon. Vincent Kirui said it will provide clean and reliable water to over 500 households and also benefit key public institutions such as Chemosot Health Centre and Chemosot Vocational College.
Dr. David Ekwam, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, urged healthcare workers to match the county’s investment with dedication.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. We must collaborate to deliver the best healthcare services. I announce that all the recently confirmed county healthcare workers would receive their allowances this month,” he added.
Dr. Ekwam further outlined plans to boost staffing, revealing that shortlisting for new healthcare personnel had begun with expectation to deploy additional staff across the county by next month.
He added that 17 healthcare facilities facing staff shortages would soon receive reinforcements and mentioned ongoing construction of a three-floor facility at Seriot to enhance medical services at the sub-county level.
In attendance were Kipchebor MCA Hon. Eric Bett and other county leaders with CECM leaders, who lauded the initiative as a transformative step in positioning Kericho as a leading medical treatment hub.
By Gilbert Mutai and Hillary Kemei
