Nakuru county gets a boost on medical waste management

The National government has boosted the County government of Nakuru on matters healthcare waste management by donating commodities (masks,aprons,waste bins) that will be distributed in Nakuru’s Level 5 facility,Naivasha and Molo sub county hospitals.

Principal Secretary Ministry of Environement and Forestry Dr.Chris Kiptoo.PHOTO/Pristone Mambili.

Speaking on Thursday during the handing over ceremony held at Nakuru PGH, Principal Secretary Ministry of Environment and Forestry Dr.Chris Kiptoo revealed that under the project, sh 80 million will be used in Nakuru county for the UNDP-funded project  to support Nakuru PGH, Naivasha and Molo.

He noted that this is in line with the fact that Kenya is a member in implementing multilateral environmental agreements.

The PS revealing that a lot of waste is generated in the country  which are hazardous and infectious hence need for a proper management.

According to statistics, in Kenya 22,000 tons of waste is produced daily

“We generate a lot of waste as a country and that is why as a Ministry we are working hard to ensure waste management.

The PS adding that already a draft policy on new guidelines s in place on how the country is supposed to manage waste.

Under the new policy guidelines, a lot of effort is being put on segregation of waste at home to know recyclables and non-recyclable.

The National government under the project ‘partnership on Health and Environment Health care waste perspective at National and County level’ the PS revealed already Nairobi has benefited with focus on other counties that are ready.

 “We want to start with counties that are ready for instance Nairobi. In Nakuru we have heard from the governor on circular economy and we are also looking at post-COVID-19” he said.

UNDP Resident Representative Walid Badawi.PHOTO/Pristone Mambili.

Sentiments echoed by UNDP Resident Representative Walid Badawi.

He noted that this is a time that the counties and country at large struggling with COVID-19.

“The commodities under the project will help flatten the curve of COVID-19” he said.

While revealing that already Nairobi,Mombasa and Kisumu counties have received similar commodities, the UNDP representative was categorical that medical waste if not well managed can lead to spread of respiratory diseases and even COVID-19.

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui addressing media during the event.PHOTO/Pristone Mambili

On his part Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui commending partners for coming to Nakuru and lending a hand during this COVID-19 pandemic when counties are pressed.

Kinyanjui noting that the masks being used by residents are key in addressing the issue of COVID-19 but can be dangerous too if not well disposed off.

“The masks we wear are paramount in averting spread of COVID-19 but they can also be a threat. The single use masks if not properly disposed off can be a mess.

Kinynajui appealing to residents of Nakuru to start focusing on how to manage waste from the source.

He once again reiterated that his administration will work closely with other Stakeholders on the waste management issue.

Already Nakuru County is focusing on the Circular economy with a cooking briquettes’ factory already established in Kaloleni, Kivumbini in Nakuru East Sub County.

According to Kinyanjui , this will help address the issue of solid waste as human waste together with other waste is now being used to manufacture the briquettes.

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