News Categories: Health and Sanitation

FOLLOWING THE GLOBAL OUTBREAK of COVID-19, subsequent confirmation of the first three cases in Kenya by the Ministry of Health;

IN LINE WITH the guidelines and advisories issued by the Ministry of Health, and H.E the President’s address to the nation yesterday, 15th March, 2020 regarding the Corona Virus;

WHEREAS the County Government of Nandi has been monitoring the unfolding of events with the aim of taking appropriate measures, and is in constant communication with Ministry of Health to ensure standardized approach towards prevention of the Corona Virus and mitigation of its effects;

IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by the Part 2 of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution, and Sections 30 and 31 of the County Governments Act and other enabling laws;

NOW THEREFORE, I STEPHEN Araap SANG, Governor of Nandi County hereby instruct and order that the following complementary measures be taken and strictly adhered to within Nandi County effective immediately:

1. That all athletics training camps are hereby closed, and foreign athletes coming to train in Nandi are suspended until further notice.

2. The Department of Transport and Infrastructure and the Kapsabet Municipality Management are hereby directed to designate more matatu stages, pick up and drop off points and bus stops to avoid congestion and crowding.

3. Hawking of food and fruits outside the designated markets is hereby banned until further notice.

4. Schools are directed to liaise with the SACCOS to pick students from school gates to avoid crowding at bus parks and matatu stages.

5. Visits by members of the public to the County Government offices is suspended for the next 30 days. The public is advised to use our toll-free number 1548 to access government services.

6. All trainings and conferences as well as local trips are hereby suspended with the exception of health workers’ trainings on COVID-19, until further notice.

7. Shaking of hands, hugging and non-essential social contact are highly discouraged until advised otherwise. Always maintain a 3-meter distance from the next person.

8. It is hereby strongly advised that every resident wash their hands with soap and running water regularly.

9. Boda Boda riders are prohibited from carrying more than one pillion (passenger).

10. Every matatu SACCO is hereby directed to provide hand washing points with soap, and ensure compliance to CDC and Ministry of Health Guidelines.

11. Members of the public are hereby directed to identify and report people who have recently travelled from foreign countries to the authorities.

12. Families are encouraged to postpone weddings for the next 30 days.

13. All open-air markets are hereby closed for 30 days.

14. All public and privately sponsored extra-curricular sports activities, tournaments, group trainings are suspended and all gyms within the county are hereby ordered closed.

15. Hotels and guest houses are directed to file and submit to the Department of Health information relating to visitors from outside the country seeking accommodation in their facilities.

16. The County Emergency Response Committee that I have already constituted will continue to monitor the situation with a view to advising on the County’s preparedness, prevention and coordination of response to the threat of COVID-19.

17. That we have set up a countywide committee that brings together National Government officers, religious and civic leaders for wider response to the threat. The Committee is directed to remain vigilant and closely monitor happenings.

18. That the Department of Health will ensure that the personal protective equipment (PPE’s) for first-line healthcare responders that we have already procured are readily available. Some more PPE’s will be delivered in due course.

19. That the County has set aside two isolation centers, one in Nandi Hills County Hospital and another in the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital.

20. That the training of key staff that is on-going in conjunction with Ministry of Health be expedited.

21. That the community health outreach strategy that is on-going is hereby directed to focus more on media and door-to-door approaches due to the banning of public gatherings.

22. That two ambulances have been exclusively set aside for COVID – 19 emergency response evacuation. The Department of Health is directed to avail more ambulances where necessary.

23. That the monitoring and evaluation team that has been set up is hereby tasked with ensuring public and private institutions including government offices, hotels, restaurants and places of worship to strictly observe the recommended hygiene guidelines and sanitation practices which include providing soap and running water for handwashing.

24. That all night clubs shall remain closed until further notice.

25. That I have directed the County Secretary and the Department of Public Service to issue a circular on modalities to maintain skeleton staff, while others be allowed to work from home and in the field for the next 30 days with the exception of those in departments offering essential services such as Health Services, Finance and Administration.

26. All ECDE centers and Vocational Training Centers shall remain closed from today 16th March, 2020 until further notice as directed by the President.

27. Visits to inpatients in hospitals by family members is banned, whenever necessary it shall be restricted to only a caretaker.

28. I direct all the Departments to free and avail their vehicles to the Department of Health and Administration, to be stationed at the Sub County Headquarters, for exclusive use in the monitoring and response to the COVID-19 situation.

AS AN ASSURANCE to the citizens of this county, the County Government of Nandi through its health facilities has put in place critical Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) mechanisms in partnership with Family Health International 360 (FHI 360) through our partnership that began two years ago.

As indicated earlier, the County Executive Committee Member for Health shall remain the singular official focal person for communicating County Government information on COVID-19. Members of the public are advised to desist from sharing untrue, misleading information regarding the situation.

As I conclude, I wish to state that this pandemic will be stopped at the community level. I therefore urge all of you to observe the preventive measures that are being communicated by the Ministry of Health from time to time and make use of our TOLL-FREE COUNTY EMERGENCY NUMBER 1548, to report any suspected cases and for more information.

H.E STEPHEN SANG
GOVERNOR NANDI COUNTY

Nandi County Secretary Dr. Francis Sang has today inspected a coronavirus isolation centre at Nandi Hills county hospital. The isolation room is part of the county governments’ measures on preparedness in combating the deadly virus.

The facility is being equipped with beds, scanners and test kits in compliance to an executive order issued last week by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The County Secretary accompanied by other health officials inspected the 16-bed capacity facility assured Nandi residents that measures have been put in place to deal with any eventuality.

Dr. Sang said that the county government has set up an emergency response team and also identified and equipped a special ambulance to be used by people suspected to be have contacted the disease.

Further, medical workers have been trained on handling coronavirus patients.

Despite Nandi not being in the list of high risk counties, surveillance has been stepped up considering that the region is a transit point of local cross-border and international travellers landing at both the Eldoret and Kisumu International Airports.

The CEC for Health Ruth Koech said that protective equipment such as face masks, gloves, body bags, gumboots, aprons and disposal gowns have been obtained from the national government as a preparedness measure.

Residents are being urged to take everyday precautions such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick, take everyday preventive actions; Clean your hands often, Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something. Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places. Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc, Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones). Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

Present were the Chief Officer for Health Dr. Paul Lagat, Nandi Hills County Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Joseph Kangor among other health Officials.

Deputy President Dr. William Ruto on Friday commissioned 10 new ambulances procured by the County Government of Nandi to be distributed to all the 6 constituencies in the county, to boost emergency healthcare.

The ambulances are a vital boost to Nandi County’s efforts to support emergency and ambulance services with a view to improving the health outcomes of the people and local communities especially mothers and children, through reducing avoidable morbidity and mortality.

Emergency medical situations require a prompt response and any delay can have serious consequences. The ambulances will strengthen the efforts of the Department of Health to respond to the health needs of vulnerable people, especially in remote areas, as patients will be able to receive first aid support while on route to the nearest health facility.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Deputy President said Good health is fundamental to “all we do and hope to do” and that access to quality healthcare is a right enshrined in the Constitution.

However, the Deputy President said, “this constitutional right can best materialise “if we are able to guarantee the presence of pre-hospital emergency service in all parts of the country.”

“Our priority is to support the Department of Health to prevent avoidable loss of life and further complications as a result of injury by providing immediate response and medical treatment to ensure the patients’ survival,” said Governor Sang.

The Commissioning of the Ambulances will be a major boost to enhancing emergency services provision in the county and will play a critical role in strengthening the referral system, a key aspect in the achievement of universal health coverage.

Deputy President Dr. William Ruto on Friday laid the foundation stone of the new Shs 49 million Chepterwai Hospital complex in Mosop Sub County.

The modern hospital is being financed by the County Government of Nandi to enhance access to medical services..

The Deputy President appreciated the efforts by the county government in establishing the hospital. He stated that providing accessible and affordable medical facilities should be the objective of healthcare in our country.

The hospital is planned to be put into operation in two years.

The hospital will accommodate various services, including, 16-bed female ward, 16-bed male ward, 4-bed ICU, 2 theaters, a Cathlab, Blood bank, Imaging (x-ray, ultrasound), Modern laboratory, Emergency room,4 m Private rooms and Administration offices.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Sang said that his administration wants to entrench affordable and effective health care system in the county.

The County Department of Health participated at the 1st Kenya Healthcare Convention held at the Sarit Centre, Nairobi County to showcase the Nandi Healthcare milestones and achievements which make the County a Healthcare Hub.

At the fair the department showcased technological advancement in healthcare; Health Information Management Information System (HMIS) as well as infrastructure and patient centered services; Kangaroo Mother Care.

President Uhuru Kenyatta was the Chief Guest at the opening session. The Convention brings together medical practitioners to discuss ways of promoting Kenya as a regional medical hub and healthcare investment destination.

Expectant mothers in rural areas of Kabiemit in Ndalat Ward of Mosop sub-county and surroundings have a reason to smile after Kabiemit Maternity Wing officially opened its doors of their modern maternity wing.

The new facility will help address challenges facing maternal health sector in Ndalat ward and its environs as women from the area will now be able to access maternal health services from the facility without having to walk long distances.

The services to be offered under this wing include: family planning services, delivery services (normal delivery), obstetrics/gynaecology clinics, and antenatal/postnatal clinics and maternal and child care.

The opening of the 16 bed capacity maternity wing is part of a wider plan of strengthening lower level health facilities across Nandi County to achieve a robust community health management with an efficient referral system. This will see the construction and equipping of medical facilities to enable them handle most of the diagnostics and maternity services.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sang said that the county government is committed to increase investment in health care, improve infrastructure for emergency obstetric and newborn care, increase investment in the rights and education of adolescent girls, and support family planning services, among other core actions.

“To ensure all expectant mothers are safe and that they get quality health services, I encourage mothers to deliver in the nearest maternity facility under the supervision of a skilled health worker,” said the governor.

The maternity unit will help to turn around the number of home deliveries into safe skilled deliveries. It will also improve maternal health services in Ndalat ward and impact on health in the vast Nandi County. Many women can today access the facility and receive required assistance.

Also present were the CEC for Health Ruth Koech, the Ndalat Ward MCA among other guests.

Pregnancy-related complications are a major cause of mortality in women of reproductive age. Fifteen women die every day due to pregnancy related complications in Kenya.

To improve maternal and child health outcomes in Nandi County, the department of health has scheduled community outreach Programs through the Beyond Zero Mobile Clinic to accelerate the provision of prenatal and postnatal medical treatment to women and children.

The Department of Health seeks to start mothers and children on the right path, setting them up for the best future possible.

Next week, on March 10th and 11th, the Beyond Zero Team heads to Tindiret Sub county to offer free services to the far-to-reach communities. The services to be offered include; neonatal care, child immunization, counseling, family planning, health education, antenatal profile testing an treatment of minor ailments.

The world hearing day is commemorated every 3rd of March, with the aim of increasing awareness about good ear health and prevention of deafness.

Nandi County in collaboration with Children’s Speech and Hearing Foundation and Centre for Hearing India joined rest of the world in marking the day with the theme “Don’t Let Hearing Loss Limit You” to mark the importance of having regular check-ups as a strategy for preventing Hearing loss and deafness. The event was open to the public and school children where conducted free ear screening, ear care and hearing health talks, consultations, issuing of advocacy materials such as brochures, and social media campaign on ear care.

In honour of the day, the Department of Health and its partners organised a number of activities in and around Kapsabet to commemorate the day including medical camps where free services like; ear screening, treatment of ear diseases, ear/nose/throat.

Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot who was the Chief Guest at the event said that the county government will collaborate with organizations and people who are passionate about helping those with hearing loss connect to the resources and organizations they need.

“Often left untreated in adults, hearing loss is associated with other medical conditions such as dementia, heart disease, and diabetes—and can have a negative impact on one’s social life, personal relationships, mental health, and quality of life,” said Ruth Koech, CEC for Health.

Dr. Anup Anand from Centre for Hearing in India urged parents to take their children for early screening. “Before you consider taking your child to school for the deaf, take them for hearing loss check up first, since the problem could be solved at an ENT centre,” he said.

Among prevention measures that hearing experts are proposing include; Immunizing children against childhood diseases, including measles, meningitis, rubella and mumps; Immunizing adolescent girls and women of reproductive age against rubella before pregnancy; Screening for and treating syphilis and other infections in pregnant women; Improving antenatal and perinatal care, including promotion of safe childbirth; Following healthy ear care practices and Screening of children for Otitis Media, followed by appropriate medical or surgical interventions.

Unaddressed hearing loss can increase social barriers in the education field, at work and in many other aspects of life. In children, for example, hearing plays a fundamental role in language development: hearing loss during childhood and adolescence may cause reduction in attention and concentration ability, as well as difficulty reading and understanding with a negative effect on school performance. Early detection and treatment of hearing loss has a positive impact on learning ability.

There is no cure for hearing loss! Protect your hearing, and if you already have hearing loss, take steps to keep it from getting worse.

Also present were the CEC for Tourism and Social Welfare Wilson Taiy, Director for Health Dr. David Bungei, Regional Director NCPWD, among other officials.

World Hearing Day is held on March 3 each year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

The theme of the campaign for 2020 is “Hearing for Life. Don’t let hearing loss limit you”.

On World Hearing Day 2020, the County Government of Nandi in partnership with Children’s Speech and Hearing Loss Foundation seeks to draw attention to the importance of early identification and intervention for hearing loss. Many people live with unidentified hearing loss, often failing to realize that they are missing out on certain sounds and words. Checking one’s hearing is the first step towards addressing the issue.

The event will be held at the County Department of Sports Grounds beginning at 9am.

The County Government of Nandi has become a focal point on matters development and learning model on devolution for other counties.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, earlier in the week received delegations from Makueni, Kitui and Bomet Counties who are on a benchmarking tour.

The delegation visited Kapsabet County Referral Hospital where they paid a courtesy call to the Medical Superintendant Dr. Daniel Kemboi who welcomed them to the facility. Among the areas of interest being the Health Management Information System (HMIS).

Mwakavi Justus, from Makueni County lauded Nandi for the innovative use of the Management System especially in healthcare. “The HMIS is a really great way to track all happenings in health facilities, especially for planning and monitoring the flow of commodities. It is what we need for all the health facilities in the Country to monitor services and to keep our data,” said Mr.Mwakavi.

“We are happy to have counties coming to Nandi to benchmark. This is a very good initiative. We believe that every county has a positive story to tell about devolution and that is why we are opening our doors to host Counties and exchange our developments” mentioned Dr. Kemboi the Medical Superintendant.

The team later toured the facilities Radiology Department, Wards, Outpatient and the ongoing Mother and Child Construction.

According to Kitui Chief Officer for Health, lessons learnt from Nandi will be used to prioritize development agendas in respective wards based on analyzed and interpreted information.