Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti has spearheaded the installation of CCTV cameras across county hospitals to tackle theft of medicines and mismanagement of funds. Speaking on February 4, 2025, Governor Ndeti warned that anyone caught engaging in malpractice would face severe consequences, emphasizing that the new surveillance system will enhance operational transparency and protect scarce medical resources. The initiative is part of her administration’s broader strategy to improve efficiency in service delivery and safeguard public funds amidst challenging economic conditions.
Governor Ndeti’s move follows a previous incident in which five county employees were arrested for stealing medicines valued at KSh30,745 from Itunduimuni Health Facility in Masinga. Four of the suspects, including a nurse, clinical officer, watchman, and cleaner, were arraigned and released on bond. During her address at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Ndeti also announced plans to open a Level 3 facility within the hospital to handle walk-in patients, allowing the Level 5 hospital to focus on referrals from lower-tier facilities. She stressed that these measures aim to ensure smooth daily operations while maintaining high standards of patient care.
The governor’s proactive approach has been met with positive reactions from county officials and healthcare workers, who see it as a critical step toward curbing corruption and safeguarding healthcare resources. Looking forward, the initiative is expected to strengthen accountability, reduce losses in the health sector, and enhance public trust in county hospitals. By combining technological oversight with improved infrastructure, Machakos County is positioning itself as a model for transparent and efficient healthcare management in Kenya.