Kericho County Referral Hospital is facing a series of crises that threaten healthcare service delivery in the region.
Within weeks, the facility has witnessed a fire outbreak that destroyed critical medical equipment, the arrest of individuals posing as medics, and a looming doctors’ strike due to unfulfilled agreements with the county government.
Fire destroys CT Scan equipment
On Friday, February 28, a fire broke out in the hospital’s CT scan unit, destroying crucial imaging equipment. According to the hospital’s In-Charge of Radiology and Imaging, George Owiti, the fire was caused by an explosion of 32 backup battery units for the CT scanner. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Firefighters, assisted by the Finlays Company fire brigade, managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the hospital. However, the incident has disrupted diagnostic services, leaving patients without access to essential imaging tests.
Fake medics arrested at hospital
Just days before the fire, three individuals were arrested for allegedly posing as medical practitioners within the hospital.
Kericho Deputy County Commander Robert Odongo confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were apprehended after Hospital Superintendent Charles Langat reported suspicious activity.
Investigations revealed that none of the suspects were officially employed by the hospital or had valid medical qualifications.
“One of the suspects was already inside the operating theatre, preparing for a procedure, when security personnel intervened. He attempted to flee but was intercepted at the hospital’s main gate,” Odongo said.
The suspects were taken to Kericho Police Station, where investigations are ongoing to determine how they gained access to the hospital.
Doctors threaten to down tools
The hospital now faces an additional crisis as doctors threaten to go on strike over the county government’s failure to implement key agreements.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a 14-day strike notice, warning that medical services in Kericho County will be paralysed from March 3 if their demands are not met.
KMPDU South Rift Branch Secretary, Dr. Stephen Omondi, cited grievances including lack of medical insurance for doctors and failure to promote staff, leaving many stagnating in lower job groups. He urged the county administration to act swiftly to prevent a healthcare crisis.
With the CT scan unit destroyed, security breaches exposing patients to unqualified medics, and an impending doctors’ strike, the hospital is at a breaking point. These incidents have intensified calls for urgent intervention from the county government to restore normalcy and ensure residents receive safe and efficient healthcare services.
