The Nairobi County government on Wednesday demolished private clinics, pharmacies and laboratories located near Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Umoja Estate.
The demolitions were prompted by complaints from hospital superintendent Dr Musa Mohammed who wrote a letter to the county government earlier this month, urging them to withdraw licences of the private facilities around its premises.
17:42 @ekkathenya#Sanny
Kangundo Road from Mama Lucy Hospital towards Bee Center@KenyanTraffic pic.twitter.com/9vKXGok5yK
— KenyanTraffic (@KenyanTraffic) August 20, 2018
Many believe that the private facilities are owned by doctors working at the hospital.
Dr Mohammed argued that the private facilities were tarnishing the name of the hospital and disrupting operations. The county bulldozers brought down more than 30 private medical clinics opposite the hospital.
Mama Lucy Hospital treats more 1,000 patients daily, but the facility has been grappling with challenges, including shortages of drugs and staff. Owners of the private clinics blamed the county government for not notifying them of the demolitions and claimed to have lost millions.
Sonko has vowed to fight corruption and impunity in the country and it seems the governor means business.
Early this month, the governor suspended Health CEC Hitan Majevdia and director Thomas Ogaro over laxity in health services provision. They were also on the spot over lack of drugs and other medical supplies in hospitals.
Two days earlier, he suspended three other officers, including a close ally. They are accused of misusing public funds. They are chief of staff Brain Mugo, acting chief finance officer Ekaya Alumasi and acting head of county treasury Stephen Mutua.
I‘ll not tolerate corruption & impunity under my leadership. The vice has contributed a lot to poor service delivery & slow economic dev’t. Fighting corruption is like fighting terrorism, the war is real & I’m appealing for your support as we help the President to fight graft. pic.twitter.com/2AhWS3cl64
— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) August 22, 2018