Kiambu to open new 150-bed centre in Ruiru hospital
Matthew Ndung'u and Njange Maina
Kiambu County is set to open a new 150-bed capacity isolation center at the Ruiru level 4 hospital, Governor James Nyoro has said.
The Sh65 million project is using prefabricated technology and is expected to be operational in three weeks time.
On completion, it will cater to the many Covid-19 cases reported in the densely populated Ruiru sub-county. By November 10, Kiambu had 4224 coronavirus cases, according to the data from the Ministry of Health.
Speaking after inspecting the facility, governor Nyoro insisted that the funds used in the construction were part of the Sh 185 million Covid-19 grant given to the county by the national government.
The rest of the grant, he said, will procure the equipment for the new facility and rehabilitation of other health centers in the county.
The county boss said his government is ready to deploy enough personnel to the new facility once complete saying that the devolved unit has recruited in excess of 500 new medical workers in the last six months.
While expressing fear that the growing virus cases are threatening the economic stability of the county, Nyoro said that the Ruiru facility will be used for posterity and not for treatment of Covid-19 only.
At the same time, Nyoro said that the county is planning to build a central medical store in Ruiru where all procured drugs will be stored before distribution to various hospitals.
In the wake of increased Covid-19 cases, the governor warned that markets across the county where traders are found trading without masks will be closed down even as he emphasized on personal responsibility for Kiambu residents to keep the virus at bay.
“We will not allow any trader to risk their lives or those of their customers. We must stand to be counted by adhering to all the stipulated Ministry of Health guidelines. We have a personal responsibility to avoid contracting the virus by doing what is right,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Biashara ward Member of County Assembly Elijah Njoroge who doubles to be the county Jubilee Party chairman. Njoroge lauded the move by the county to up health services in Ruiru.
The MCA lauded the county leadership for moving to initiate key development projects that are currently bettering the lives of Ruiru residents.
“Without malice, jealousy or ill-will, the performance of governor Nyoro can be seen practically. Since he assumed office, Ruiru has gotten three sets of markets, a new hospital wing, a fire engine, tarmacking of various roads and drilling of boreholes. He has so far served as expected,” said Njoroge.
