HEALTH CS HON. ADEN DUALE COMMENDS MTRH FOR SAFE MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY HEALTHCARE SERVICES
The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Bare Duale, EGH, has commended Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for its exemplary healthcare service delivery and efficient medical waste management mechanisms.
Speaking at MTRH shortly after presiding over incineration of 5.5 tonnes comprising illicit tobacco and related products, Hon. Duale emphasized that patient safety begins with functional systems and infrastructure across all healthcare institutions.
“We must maintain working systems in every Hospital. MTRH has proven that it is not only a premier institution in patient care but also a national leader in safe medical waste management,” said the CS while on a tour of the MTRH incineration plant.
The CS, who was accompanied by the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Health, Ms. Mary Muthoni highlighted MTRH’s strong performance in maternal healthcare. He praised the Hospital for achieving zero maternal deaths in recent months, noting that it as a benchmark for other institutions.
He also called on MTRH Leadership to maintain its leading role in diagnostic services while ensuring equipment remains fully functional.
In line with Kenya’s observance of World No Tobacco Day, Hon. Duale issued a stern warning on the dangers of illicit tobacco products. He oversaw the destruction of seized items, including shisha, gutkha, and flavoured e-cigarettes—products intercepted at Eldoret International Airport.
“Illicit tobacco is not just a regulatory issue—it is a threat to public health, national security, and the future of our youth. We are sending a clear message: Kenya will not tolerate the illegal trade in tobacco,” he stated.
He further announced the cancellation of licenses for all agencies involved in the importation of the seized contraband and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to international agreements, including the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and its protocols.
The CS applauded the collaborative efforts of the Border Management Committee—comprising KRA, KEBS, Immigration, Security, and Port Health—for their vigilance in intercepting the illicit products.
The CEO, Dr. Philip Kirwa, provided an overview of the Hospital’s mandate and ongoing expansion projects. He highlighted MTRH’s role as a regional referral Hospital serving 25 counties in Western Kenya and gave updates on flagship projects among them the recently commissioned Cathlab, 1.5 Tesla MRI and upcoming MTRH Multi-Specialty Hospital in Kiplombe.
The CS was accompanied by; Deputy Governor-Uasin Gishu County Hon. Evans Kapkea, Tobacco Control Board Chairperson, Dr. Naomi Shaban and Hospital Management Team.
