WANINI KIRERI MAGEREZA LEVEL 4 HOSPITAL HANDED OVER TO PRISONS SERVICE

By Nicholas Kigondu

The Wanini Kireri Magereza Level 4 Hospital was Friday officially handed over to the state department of Correctional Services in a ceremony held at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru.

Speaking during the handover of the facility from the ministry of defence to that of interior, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the establishment of the hospital is testament to the government’s commitment to provide quality healthcare to all Kenyans including those in uniform.

He underscored the need for a robust health system for those in uniform saying the welfare of staff is critical in ensuring they actualize their mandate.

“We are focused that as our security personnel dedicate their time serving the country, we will have a plan to ensure there is robust healthcare services, housing for our officers as well as a quality education system for their dependents.” Said Duale.

While pledging the Kenya Defence Forces’ commitment to work in harmony with other security units, Duale said the level six Kenya National Research and Referral Hospital located at the Kenya Defence Forces Army Barracks in Kabete, which is under construction, will become the regional referral hospital for both the country’s disciplined forces and regional allies.

While thanking the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity for supporting the construction of the hospital, on behalf of the Kenya Prisons Service, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said the hospital is among medical facilities meant to assist men and women in uniform, their families and members of the public get access to high standards of healthcare services.

“The Government prioritizes access to quality medical care by security personnel and their families as a way of appreciating the crucial role of the various security organs to keeping the Country safe and secure for current and future generations.” He said.

This even as he urged the different units within the security sector to work in harmony so as to build public confidence and make the country safe and secure.

“All organs, agencies and formations of our Country's Internal Security and Defence continue to work together, mutually reinforcing each other in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation.’’ He noted.

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco pledged to maintain the highest possible standards at the facility while Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru said a team from the ministry of Defence and that of Interior will hold a meeting on Monday to plan on operationalization of the hospital.