County suspends two nurses at Kericho County Referral Hospital
Rift Valley
By
Nikko Tanui
| Feb 25, 2025
Two nurses who allegedly facilitated the deployment of three nurse imposters at the Kericho County Referral Hospital have been suspended.
Speaking at the hospital, Governor Erick Mutai stated that the suspended nurses had, through the locum program-a system where a nurse temporarily fills in for another-allowed the imposters to work without notifying the relevant authorities, including their supervisors.
"I have ordered the County Health Chief Officer to commence disciplinary action immediately and suspend all the nurses involved pending a full investigation. This may result in their dismissal," he said.
In response to the incident, the Governor banned the locum program at the Kericho County Referral Hospital and all other public medical centers within the county.
READ MORE
High logistics costs threaten East Africa horticulture competitiveness
Kenya mulls raising Sh2.4 trillion to power green energy deals by 2030
Push to strengthen regulation of imported, locally manufactured products
Many cities buried urban streams but here's how to bring them back
Why State's slum eradication remains a tall order
National Infrastructure Fund targets pension funds for projects
Treasury faces Sh245b refund bill in bungled Safaricom shares sale
Mortgage lenders look beyond payslips to expand Kenya's housing market
Mombasa Port's empty containers crisis deepens ahead of peak season
European lender unveils Sh12.9bn facility to boost Kenya trade finance
"Locum arrangements will no longer be accepted. Our healthcare workers are required to be at their designated health facilities for 40 hours. Any necessary adjustments must be arranged within the existing pool of staff to prevent unauthorized individuals from working in our health facilities," said Mutai.
To enhance security and accountability, Governor Mutai directed the hospital management to ensure that all healthcare workers are issued with identification badges displaying their names for easy identification.
"Doctors, nurses, and clinicians must wear appropriate uniforms as prescribed by their respective regulatory bodies," he said
The governor also directed that Biometric systems be installed at all county health facilities to monitor attendance and working hours.
"I have instructed the County Health Chief Executive Officer to begin the installation of biometric systems immediately to track staff attendance and ensure proper service delivery," said Mutai.
Additionally, Governor Mutai directed that intern doctors and nurses must be cleared from the facility immediately after completing their internship, and should only be allowed to work at the hospital if officially recruited.
"Once they have finished their internship, they should no longer be at the facility unless they have been formally employed to continue their services," he said.