Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has explained why his Ministry requested the Kenya Defence Force to help with the construction and equipping of Kenya Prisons Service Wanini Kireri Magezera Level IV Hospital in Ruiru
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony on Friday, Kindiki said it was because the Kenya Defence Forces has a long history of managing and operationalisation of health facilities.
He went on to say that KDF also has great capacity and they saw no need to give the job to any other entities.
The CS said it would be great because it is a facility that will be mainly used by officers in the security sector.
"The KDF within the security sector has the longest history with running, management and operationalisation of health facilities. They have developed impeccable capabilities and capacities to be able to set up and run medical facilities," Kindiki said.
"And because we are one in this sector we found no reason why Kenya Prison Service or National Police Service should go looking elsewhere. So, we turned to our brothers and the government decided that because this is primarily a health facility a security organisation should do it."
He added that KDF was also asked to do it because they form part of the country's security.
Kindiki said they also have a common object and they must work together on most aspects of their operations.
"Within the security sector, we are one unit with different mandates. Our common objective that puts us together is the security and stability of our nation. Therefore, the organs of internal security and our Kenya Defence Forces have one common objective and must work together," he said.
The Interior CS said the hospital is one of the premier facilities being developed to assist men and women in uniform, as well as their families to get access to high-standard, high-quality medical services.
Kindiki said this will also extend to other stakeholders including members of the public.
The facility was constructed and equipped for Sh1.06 billion.
He said the partnership between his ministry and that of Defence led by CS Aden Duale will continue in many other areas in the coming days.
"It is important I thank CS Duale and the KDF for being so magnanimous in terms of supporting the construction of this facility on behalf of Kenya Prisons," he said.
"I want to underscore on behalf of the Ministry of Interior and National Assembly, we'll continue to foster partnerships between ourselves and KDF to build public trust and confidence in the organs of our national security."
