Kericho County Referral Hospital, suspends admissions in readiness for Asbestos Roof Removal and other renovations./KNA
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Kericho County Department of Health Services, has announced suspension of in-patient admissions to pave the way for major renovations at the County Referral Hospital.
The renovations include the removal of asbestos roofing slated to commence on June 2, 2025.
Speaking to Kenya News Agency, the County Health Services Chief Officer Dr. Japheth Cheruiyot, confirmed that no new inpatient admissions will be accepted at the hospital starting Tuesday, May 20, 2025, adding that patients will be redirected to other Level Four facilities, including Kapkatet, Sigowet, and Londiani hospitals.
The chief officer said the renovations are part of a broader nationwide asbestos removal initiative approved by the Cabinet, aimed at eliminating health risks posed by aging asbestos materials used in public infrastructure across the country.
“The Kericho County Referral Hospital's renovation project will include asbestos removal and disposal, reroofing of the facility, and construction of a new kitchen,” Dr. Cheruiyot explained.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Kericho County Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Samuel Langat, stated that the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Labour Ward, and Newborn Unit (NBU) will continue to admit patients until Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after which the units too will temporarily suspend new admissions.
Dr. Langat further assured the public that emergency cases will continue to be handled and appropriately referred, while patients who normally receive care at specialised clinics will be booked three months from May 30, 2025, adding that during this period, they may also seek care at the aforementioned Level 4 hospitals.
The statement indicated that outpatient services at the County Referral Hospital will continue to operate until the close of business on May 30, 2025, adding that all inquiries regarding the transition and patient referrals should be directed to the hospital administration through respective heads of units.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will oversee the asbestos removal initiative to ensure safe handling, disposal, and compliance with environmental regulations.
Waste containing asbestos is classified as hazardous and must be disposed of in a manner approved by NEMA, this is according to Legal Notice No.121 of the Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006.
Asbestos, which was widely used in Kenya’s construction industry in the 1960s and 1970s, is now known to be a human carcinogen, with exposure to asbestos scientifically linked to life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the linings of the lungs, abdomen, and heart, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
