The County Government of Nakuru is strengthening the delivery of emergency and critical care services through the installation of centralized oxygen systems in public health facilities, a move that directly supports patient safety and continuity of care. Under the leadership of H.E. Governor Susan Kihika, the Department of Health Services has completed the installation of oxygen piping, manifold systems, and alarm systems in 12 health facilities across the county, marking a key step in implementing commitments made under the county’s health agenda.
The newly installed systems connect critical service areas within health facilities to a centralized oxygen supply. This ensures that patients who require oxygen therapy can access it without interruption, especially during emergencies, surgical procedures, and the management of respiratory conditions. Previously, facilities relied heavily on oxygen cylinders that required frequent replacement, transportation, and manual handling, which sometimes led to delays when demand increased.
The manifold systems now in place regulate oxygen pressure and distribution across wards and departments. By managing pressure efficiently, the systems ensure that oxygen is delivered at appropriate levels to all connected points, even when multiple patients require support at the same time. This improves reliability during peak demand periods, including disease outbreaks or emergency incidents that place pressure on health facilities.
Integrated alarm systems form a key safety component of the installations. These systems provide early alerts in the event of low pressure, leaks, or equipment faults. Healthcare workers are able to respond promptly, addressing issues before they affect patient care. This level of monitoring strengthens risk management within facilities and reduces the likelihood of sudden oxygen interruptions that could place patients at risk.
Beyond ensuring reliability, the centralized oxygen systems bring operational benefits to health facilities. Reduced handling of oxygen cylinders lowers the risk of infection and workplace injuries associated with manual movement of heavy equipment. Automated monitoring supports efficient oxygen use, helping facilities manage supplies responsibly and reduce wastage. These improvements allow healthcare workers to focus more time on direct patient care rather than equipment management.
The installations also support improved emergency preparedness. Facilities with piped oxygen systems are better positioned to respond to critical cases, including trauma, maternal emergencies, neonatal care, and patients with respiratory conditions. This contributes to improved treatment outcomes and strengthens the county’s capacity to manage both routine and emergency health needs.
To ensure long-term sustainability of the investment, the Department of Health Services has begun training healthcare workers on the operation and maintenance of the systems. Training sessions have already been conducted at Annex Hospital and Njoro Sub-County Hospital, with plans underway to cover all 12 facilities. The training equips staff with the skills required to operate the systems safely, carry out routine checks, and identify potential faults early, ensuring continued functionality.
This approach reflects Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to not only investing in infrastructure but also strengthening systems and human capacity within the health sector. By pairing equipment upgrades with staff training, the county is working to ensure that improvements translate into consistent service delivery and patient safety.
The oxygen system installations align with the Governor’s manifesto focus on improving access to quality healthcare services across the county. The commitment to equip health facilities with essential infrastructure supports equitable service delivery, ensuring that patients can access life-saving care regardless of location. It also reflects a focus on preparedness, system reliability, and efficient use of public resources.
By completing the installation of centralized oxygen systems in multiple facilities, the county government is demonstrating how policy commitments are translated into practical interventions that directly affect patient care. The initiative supports safer clinical environments, improves service continuity, and strengthens the overall health system. Through these investments, the county continues to work toward a healthcare system where essential services are reliable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all residents.