Nakuru County administration is working towards developing a structured road map that will allow for the completion and operationalisation of all health facilities under construction across the county.
A meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Dr. David Kones was updated on the current status of ongoing health projects and modalities of developing a financing plan to ensure their completion.
Key areas of focus included plant and machinery equipment requirements, medical furniture, and staffing needs for the expanded services proposed in new facilities.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that all proposed health facility designs should be adapted to the local terrain and water supply issues addressed before handing over the facilities to ensure smooth operations.
Dr. Kones said the Susan Kihika administration was committed to ensuring residents could receive quality medical services within their reach.
A health sector report released last year and giving a comprehensive overview of Nakuru County’s Health Sector performance revealed the need to prioritise key strategies that include enhanced Health Infrastructure and Management, improved primary health care and disease surveillance.
The report also indicated that there was a need to increase focus on maternal and child health, management of chronic diseases, timely supply of medication and diagnostic services and a quicker response to emergencies.
The report further indicated that several significant challenges hampered the effectiveness and efficiency of Nakuru County’s Health Sector.
One of the challenges identified included insufficient staffing, which posed a significant challenge in providing quality services not only at existing healthcare units but also in expanded and newly established health facilities.
The shortage of skilled healthcare professionals hindered the sector’s ability to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.
Marginalised areas experienced difficulties due to information gaps and communication breakdowns, long distances covered to the nearest medical facility, and inadequate vaccination coverage.
Nakuru County has a total of 209 healthcare facilities that provide healthcare services. These facilities are distributed across different levels of care and include one facility operating at Level V, signifying its advanced capacity and specialised services.
Additionally, there are 15 healthcare facilities classified as Level IV, which typically offer a high level of care, although slightly less comprehensive than Level V facilities.
Thirty-eight healthcare facilities function at Level III, providing a considerable range of healthcare services to their respective communities, while a majority of the healthcare facilities, numbering 155, are categorised as Level II establishments.
The Level 2 facilities typically serve as primary points of care, catering to various essential health needs within their local areas.
The healthcare system in Nakuru County serves not only its residents but also those from neighbouring counties.
In the Financial Year 2022/23, the Department of Health Services recorded 5.2 million outpatients who sought medical attention and 120,000 admissions to healthcare facilities during this period.
This data underscores the significant demand for healthcare services and the volume of patient care provided within the region’s healthcare facilities.
It is in this regard and Kenya’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, the Presidential BETA Plan and the Governor’s Manifesto that Nakuru County is focused on achieving quality health care.
The Deputy Governor emphasised Governor Kihika’s commitment to expanding quality healthcare across Nakuru’s 11 sub-counties to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
He noted that the completion of facilities under construction would boost prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal support, nutritional counselling, and mental health services to ensure safe deliveries and better maternal health outcomes.
Additionally, the DG said that the county aims to reduce referrals to Level 4 and 5 hospitals by offering comprehensive health services at the ward level, allowing quality care closer to home.
The meeting was also attended by County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura, County Executive Committee Members Roselyn Mungai (Health Services) and Stephen Njogu (Finance & Economic Planning), and Chief Officers Samuel Ndegwa (Infrastructure), John Murima (Medical Services), and Everlyn Kakai (Economic Planning).
Others present included the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Daniel Wainaina; his political Affairs, Procurement and Efficiency & Monitoring counterparts Joseph Kibore, Anne Marie and Patrick Kigunda, respectively.
By Jane Ngugi