Kericho: The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Kericho County Department of Health Services, has announced a suspension of in-patient admissions at the Kericho County Referral Hospital to prepare for significant renovations, including the crucial removal of asbestos roofing. The hospital is set to be officially handed over for renovation by June 2, 2025.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Health Services Chief Officer Dr. Japheth Cheruiyot confirmed that starting Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the hospital will not accept new inpatient admissions. Instead, patients will be redirected to other public Level Four facilities, including Kapkatet, Sigowet, and Londiani Hospitals. This renovation is part of a larger nationwide initiative approved by the Cabinet to remove asbestos from public infrastructure, addressing the health risks associated with aging asbestos materials.
Dr. Cheruiyot explained that the renovation project at Kericho County Referral Hospital will involve asbestos removal and disposal, reroofing, and the construction of a new kitchen. Meanwhile, Dr. Samuel Langat, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, stated that the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Maternity Labour Ward, and Newborn Unit (NBU) will continue to admit patients until Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after which these units will also suspend new admissions temporarily.
Emergency cases will still be managed and appropriately referred, and patients who usually visit specialized clinics will be rescheduled for three months from May 30, 2025. During this period, they may also seek care at the aforementioned Level 4 hospitals. Outpatient services at the County Referral Hospital will continue until the close of business on May 30, 2025, and all inquiries regarding the transition and patient referrals should be directed to the hospital administration.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will oversee the asbestos removal process to ensure safety and compliance with environmental regulations. Asbestos waste is categorized as hazardous and must be disposed of following NEMA's guidelines, as per Legal Notice No.121 of the Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006.
Asbestos, widely used in Kenya's construction industry during the 1960s and 1970s, is now recognized as a human carcinogen. Exposure to asbestos has been scientifically linked to severe diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare cancer affecting the linings of the lungs, abdomen, and heart, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).