MURKOMEN INSPECTS WANINI KIRERI MAGEREZA HOSPITAL AHEAD OF COMMISSIONING

By Nicholas Kigondu

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday conducted an inspection tour of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Hospital ahead of its planned commissioning.

The CS, who was accompanied by Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco and Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, said the full operationalization of the facility remains of paramount importance in ensuring officers from the department, their families, and the neighboring community access essential medical services.

During the tour, the CS inspected various sections of the hospital, including the pediatric ward, High Dependency Unit (HDU), dialysis unit, radiology department, and theatre. He noted that the full operationalization of the facility follows a Presidential directive issued during February’s pass-out parade for recruits of the Kenya Prisons Service.

While pledging to have the hospital fully operational to ensure it delivers on its mandate of providing quality healthcare services to officers, their families, and members of the public, the Principal Secretary said technical teams have already conducted system integration tests, with outpatient services now available.

She added that the facility will operate on a model similar to those managed by the Kenya Defence Forces, while also being integrated into the public healthcare system to support the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The 150-bed capacity Level 4 hospital, located at the Kenya Prison Staff Training College in Ruiru, is equipped with a wide range of modern medical facilities, including an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), radiology and laboratory services, dental and physiotherapy units, a maternity wing, a pediatric ward, and male and female inpatient wards.

During the visit, the CS also toured the newly completed 50 housing units constructed under the National Police and Kenya Prisons housing programme, as well as the Priaqua water bottling plant operated by Kenya Prisons Enterprises, which produces purified bottled drinking water.