Health on Trial: A Nakuru morgue that always has room for one more
Nakuru county mortuary also known as 'Kwa Jack'.
A step into the defunct-Municipal mortuary popularly known as ‘Kwa Jack’ by Nakuru residents reveals a beehive of activities.
The activities have even doubled after the facility was renamed ‘Annex Hospital Nakuru Farewell Home’ under the Department of Health Services in Nakuru County.
Well, Mtaa Wangu has established that the facility has continued to cope with the challenges of congestion.
A source who spoke to this writer on anonymity revealed that they have no option but to work with the situation as it is.
According to them, whenever there is an increase in accident deaths as well as other mysterious deaths, the facility is overwhelmed as it has to accommodate more than the 60 bodies it can hold.
Our source says whenever such a situation occurs, they are forced to pile some bodies on top of others.
Also Read: Why the County renamed 'Kwa Jack' mortuary
At times they are also forced to use the floors as preservation space.
"This is a facility that serves many and that is why we have to work with the available resources even if overwhelmed," they said.
Nakuru Human Rights Network and Representative David Kuria has been witnessing post-mortem cases at the facility for many years.
David Kuria who helps organize burial ceremonies for streets children in Nakuru County.
Kuria questioned why the county government has continued to ignore the facility that should be expanded, renovated and equipped with the right equipment.
"This a mortuary that should be given priority because it serves many people," said Kuria.
This even as the staff at the facility are prepared for a heavy task ahead as the facility now serves as the mortuary for the deaths that also occur at Nakuru Annex Hospital.
In a previous interview with Mtaa Wangu, Nakuru County Public Health Officer George Gachomba noted that unclaimed bodies remain a challenge to mortuaries in Nakuru.
Though the county administration has vowed before to ensure expansion of the mortuaries, Mtaa Wangu has established that only Naivasha Sub County Hospital mortuary has been renovated.
Anthony Gitonga- a resident of Naivasha says the facility that cost Sh 35 million has a capacity of about 118 from the previous facility that could only accommodate 12 bodies.
It should be noted that apart from the Annex Hospital Nakuru Farewell Home, Nakuru Level 5 Hospital manages a mortuary that is within the facility.
Naivasha Sub county Hospital also manages the ultra-modern mortuary that is within the facility. The same goes for Molo sub county Hospital.
Nakuru County Public Health Chief Officer Alice Manyange notes that plans to expand all the mortuaries are ongoing.
While pointing out the congestion issue within the facilities, the Chief officer called on locals to be patient as the Department of health moves in to address the same.
She added that already the new Naivasha Sub County Hospital mortuary has received additional equipment among them refrigeration systems.
Ms Manyange says the same has also been supplied to Olenguruone Hospital mortuary and that plans are on to have refrigeration systems and other equipment supplied to Annex Hospital Nakuru Farewell Home.