Two Sh6m hospitals idle as county delays to equip and dispatch employees

Lekurruki hospital was built in 2015 at a cost of Sh2 million by Lekurruki community in Laikipia North to ease the struggle to accessing medical services. [Jacinta Mutura/Standard]

Two hospitals built at a cost of Sh6 million in Mukogodo East are lying idle after the county reneged on its promise to equip and staff them.

Lekurruki and Ntalaban hospitals were constructed through donor funding to bring health services closer to the community.

Lekurruki cost Sh2 million while Ntalaban cost Sh4 million. Both are now lying idle due to neglect.

“The county government had promised that once the hospital was complete, it would equip it and send nurses and other medical staff, but this has not happened,” said Thomas Sakui, a resident of Lekurruki.

“The nearest hospitals are in Leparua and Lokusero more than 20 kilometres away. For specialised treatment we have to go to Isiolo, some 35 kilometres away. And accessing these towns is not easy because of the poor state of raods,” said Sakui.

Wildlife attacks and malaria are some of the issues the community is grappling.

At Lekurruki, villagers depend on Lekurruki Conservancy’s vehicle in case of medical emergencies.

Expectant mothers seek assistance from traditional birth attendants. In case of birth complications, they have to be taken to Isiolo.

According to Patrick Leresi, the manager for Il Ngwesi conservancy that facilitated construction of Ntalaban Hospital, Sh4 million is available to install basic hospital equipment such as furniture and maternity beds.

“We also intend to install solar power and construct a greenhouse for the hospital employees to grow their crops so that they do not have to travel far to buy vegetables,” said Leresi.

A fence to bar elephants from straying into the hospital compound will also be built.

Health Chief Officer Donald Mogoi said one nurse had been posted to Ntalaban Dispensary and another one would be posted to Lekurruki in the next financial year.

"The nurse has not reported because hospital equipment has not been delivered yet. We also need to get accommodation for her," said Dr Mogoi.

Poor road network in Mukogodo East has also contributed to the woes of the residents who have to pass through bushes to access medical services.

"If the conservancy's vehicle is not available, we hire motorbikes at a cost of Sh1,000 to Isiolo to get basic health services," said Sammy Tema.

Area ward representative Peter Matunge said the county government had let down residents and donors by not equipping the two facilities.

"The communities are trying to solve problems themselves and the two conservancies have greatly supported with community projects," he said.