Kiambu County’s health department has stepped up preparations for possible outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases, with hospitals being stocked with essential medicine and health teams trained to respond to emergencies.
The health department has also mapped flood-prone areas including informal settlements, towns and communities near rivers, to identify populations most exposed to flooding, water contamination and related health risks.
Speaking during a preparedness training for health workers and community leaders in Juja, Kiambu County Director of Medical Services Dr Peter Kamau said the measures were aimed at preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring a swift response should flooding occur.
Kamau said the county had stocked hospitals with water treatment supplies, fluids, antibiotics and other essential medicines to manage possible cases of cholera and other waterborne disease outbreaks.
“We have mapped out hotspots, including towns, informal settlements and areas close to rivers. We have stocked our hospitals with adequate essential medicines, fluids and antibiotics to be able to respond to possible cholera and other waterborne disease outbreaks,” he said.
He said health workers had also been trained on how to identify and manage cases associated with contaminated water, while communities would be sensitised on preventive measures and need to seek medical attention early.
Kamau said the county had previously not experienced serious flooding, but rapid urbanisation had increased the need for stronger preparedness, particularly in densely populated settlements and areas near rivers.
He said the county was working with water service providers, veterinary officials and other departments to strengthen coordination and ensure communities continued accessing safe water if existing sources were contaminated or disrupted by floods.
The county is also preparing health facilities in vulnerable areas for a possible increase in patients and has activated mechanisms to ensure essential services remain available during emergencies.
Kamau urged residents not to panic, saying the county had put measures in place to respond to flooding and related health emergencies.
The training brought together health workers from different cadres, community leaders and other stakeholders, with officials stressing the importance of coordinated action and community awareness.
Meanwhile, boda boda operators in Kiambu have pledged to support the county’s awareness campaign by disseminating emergency and health information to riders and residents.
Kiambu Boda Boda Operators chairman Lawrence Kariuki said riders interact with thousands of residents daily and could help relay alerts and preventive health messages.
Kariuki urged the county government to intensify drainage improvements in flood-prone areas, saying the boda boda fraternity would work with authorities to reach communities across the County.
by Muoki Charles
