Counties that share the insecurity-prone Kerio Valley region have been challenged to invest in employing more specialized health workers.
This, according to the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentist Union (KMPDU), will enable them to be able to handle emergencies related to regular bandit attacks.
“We want to urge devolved units in the region to employ more doctors and specialists like general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, among other health workers to enhance response to emergencies,” says KMPDU North Rift Secretary-General Dr. Mulei Kamonzi.
Kerio Valley, which covers parts of West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Baringo counties have been witnessing a wave of attacks, claimed to be staged by bandits.
The attacks have left deaths, with others ending up with gunshot wounds.
A most recent attack saw armed gunmen spray bullets on busses that were carrying Tot Secondary school students who were from an academic trip.
One was killed and over 10 injured – including two teachers. Some of those injured were transported to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Mediheal Hospital – both in Eldoret town for surgeries.
But even as the doctors’ union calls for more specialists to be stationed in the volatile region, it is also challenging the government to enhance security for not only the locals but also the health workers.
KMPDU notes that insecurity in the region has also put the lives of health workers in various facilities at risk.
The union also asked the devolved units to put in place measures that will ensure locals living in the insecure areas have access to medical services – including ambulances that can respond to emergency conditions.
Union’s North Rift chairperson Dr. Darwin Ambuka further condemned the recent attack on students and teachers, which he termed disheartening.
“We have seen the vulnerable groups which are students, teachers, and locals suffer as a result of attacks from bandits,” said Dr. Ambuka.
