Kericho County to suspend admissions as hospital undergoes asbestos roofing removal

Workers change asbestos roofing materials in Naivasha in a project sponsored by Nakuru County government at a cost of Sh10m. [File, Standard]

Kericho County has announced plans to remove asbestos roofing from the County Referral Hospital.

According to the hospital's Medical Superintendent, Dr Samuel Langat, the facility will suspend admission of both inpatients and outpatients from 20 May 2025.

Dr Langat stated that, as part of the preparations, the hospital will not admit new patients except in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

He further announced that the maternity unit, labour ward, and newborn unit will stop taking admissions from 27 May 2025.

In a memo, Dr Langat noted that the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Department of Health Services, is in the final stages of preparing the hospital for a major facelift aimed at enhancing the safety and quality of services offered at the county's top health institution.

"As part of the preparations, the hospital will not be taking in new admissions from Tuesday, 20 May 2025, except for the ICU. The maternity, labour ward, and newborn unit (NBU) will stop taking admissions from Tuesday, 27 May 2025," said Dr Langat.

He added that outpatient services will continue until close of business on 30 May 2025.

From that point, clients are advised to seek care from nearby Level 4 public hospitals, including Kapkatet, Sigowet, and Londiani Hospitals, where arrangements have been made to accommodate the anticipated increase in patient numbers.

Dr Langat assured the public that all emergencies will be managed and referred appropriately during the transition period.

"Patients from specialised clinics are advised to book appointments starting three months from 30 May 2025. However, they may continue to receive care at the listed alternative hospitals," he said.

The superintendent emphasised that the hospital remains committed to minimising disruption and ensuring continuity of care during the renovation period.

The renovation project, expected to be completed by 2 June 2025, is part of a broader effort by the county government to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure safe, effective service delivery.