Health

UVETE- Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has called for heightened vigilance against Ebola and urged the national government to strengthen measures to protect Kenyans from the disease.

Speaking at a public baraza at Uvete at the end of his development tour of Mukaa Ward, Mutula also responded to residents’ concerns over healthcare, security and market lighting.

The governor said the county government would install floodlights at Upete Market and begin the process of establishing a regular market day to boost local trade.

He directed county officials to act immediately on health concerns raised by residents and pledged to address other service-delivery challenges highlighted during the forum.

Mutula further said CCTV cameras would be installed at county water projects to deter vandalism and protect public infrastructure.

He also urged residents to prepare for emergencies linked to forecast heavy rains and take precautions to protect lives and property.

The baraza capped the governor’s tour of Mukaa Ward, during which he inspected and commissioned development projects and engaged residents on local priorities.

GVN. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. officially commissions the Mutiluni Dispensary Maternity Block in Mukaa Ward.The facility is expected to strengthen maternity services and improve maternal and child healthcare in the area. During the visit, he also inspected services at the facility, gaining first-hand insight into how it is serving residents.

Mutula said the facility will receive additional staff to support effective service delivery. He also unveiled plans to renovate the ageing dispensary structure to improve the facility’s environment and enhance service delivery to residents.

He also used the occasion to highlight various government projects and address issues raised by residents, including support for surveying and demarcation of the Mitulani Market, as well as initiatives in water and trade.

A total of 186 staff members received their Permanent and Pensionable Letters, marking a significant milestone for healthcare workers who were contracted during the COVID-19 period and have waited six years for confirmation.

Governor Mutula noted that remuneration has been one of the challenges in absorbing the workers into the permanent establishment, amid ongoing discussions between the National and County Governments. He emphasized that the staff’s gratuity must be paid.

The Governor expressed his appreciation to the staff for their dedication and commitment to serving residents throughout the six-year period and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting county employees.

He further revealed that 653 staff members across various cadres have been promoted.

Governor Mutula also said that, working together with the Council of Governors (CoG), nurses will receive their allowances, while cautioning against the politicization of healthcare services.

To support the continued growth of Emali Sub-County Hospital and improve services to the community, the Governor announced plans to construct a theatre at the facility.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. inspects the Kyanginywa Dispensary in Kikumbulyu South Ward, as hundreds of residents receive free medical check-ups through a County Government-organised medical camp.

During the visit, the Governor directed the contractor to complete the project within two weeks and announced plans to construct staff quarters to improve service delivery at the dispensary.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. inspects the ongoing construction of a Sh70 million modern maternity and newborn hospital in Kibwezi. The hospital is now 50 per cent complete and is expected to be ready by the end of the year. The Governor is on a day-long project commissioning and inspection in Kikumbulyu South. The project is a collaboration between the M-PESA Foundation and the County Government.

He is joined by ECMs and several MCAs and other local leaders.

In a show of empathy and compassion, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday paid another visit to two Kalembwani accident victims still hospitalized at the Makueni County Referral Hospital, checking on their recovery and offering support during this difficult time. He also used the occasion to interact with other hospital visitors and patients .

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. visits the Makueni Ambulance Dispatch Centre, where he experienced first-hand how the county’s centralised ambulance management and dispatch system is strengthening emergency medical response.

The technology-enabled system is designed to improve ambulance coordination, optimise deployment, enhance response times and strengthen accountability in the delivery of emergency services across the county.

The initiative is part of Makueni’s broader efforts to modernise emergency healthcare and ensure residents can access timely and reliable ambulance services when they need them most.

In pictures: Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. inspects the ongoing construction of the Makueni County Referral Hospital Mortuary. The facility is now 70% complete, with finishing works and equipping set to be undertaken as the project moves towards completion.