Over 100 malaria patients in Kerio Valley, Marakwet East, have been treated and discharged in the last three days following an outbreak.
Sister-in-charge at Endo Catholic Mission Hospital said they had received an overwhelming number of malaria patients forcing some to sleep on the floor as the wards lacked enough beds.
“We only have 27 bed capacity in the hospital against 57 patients who were admitted this morning at the facility,” sister Veronica Kasoa said on phone.
She said more people were thronging the hospital for treatment.
“The Government should dispatch more drugs and medical personnel to provide treatment to the affected people,” Kasoa said.
Other health centres that have seen increase in the number of patients seeking medical attention include Kaboron, Tot and Barberi.
Kowow chief William Suter appealed to the government to provide residents in malaria-prone areas with mosquito nets to curb outbreaks.
“We don't have enough medical personnel and drugs to tame the outbreak of the disease. We ask the Government to move with speed to contain the situation,” Suter said.
He also urged government to release funds set aside for El Nino mitigation, which he says has affected his location.
“When I asked the leadership of the county about the El Nino funds, I was referred to the national government. When I inquired from the national government over the matter I was again referred to County government,” he said.
The chief warned of food shortage next year as Kowow area has been subject to landslides caused by ongoing heavy rains.
On Friday, over 20 families were counting losses after the rains destroyed more than 80 acres of maize, watermelon,
vegetables and tomatoes.