18/07/2025
Dr. Lokoel Orders Clean-Up in All County Health Facilities
Makutano, Kenya — The Chief Officer of Medical Health, Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel, has directed all county health facilities to immediately remove unnecessary items, reorganize shelves, and embrace the 5S workplace method to improve cleanliness, safety, and service delivery.
Speaking after making unannounced visits to several health centers earlier this week, Dr. Lokoel expressed concern about what he described as widespread disorder in some facilities. He warned that cluttered workspaces and neglected storage areas pose serious risks to both staff and patients.
“I was shocked by what I saw,” Dr. Lokoel said. “Some facilities are storing broken equipment and outdated materials. This is unacceptable. Every health facility must clean up, organize, and follow the 5S principles without exception.”
The 5S system — which stands for Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain — is a globally recognized approach for improving how workspaces are managed. In the healthcare setting, it helps ensure that staff can access what they need quickly and safely while promoting professionalism and accountability.
“Patients deserve to walk into a clean, safe, and professional environment,” Dr. Lokoel added. “It starts with how we manage our spaces — from shelves to storage rooms. This is not a one-time cleanup; it’s the beginning of a long-term culture change.”
The directive has already started to gain support among local residents, who say such action is long overdue.
“We’ve seen facilities where expired drugs and broken chairs are just lying around,” said Anna Ekaru, a mother of three from Makutano. “I support this cleanup. It shows leadership.”
“This will help health workers find things faster and treat us better,” said John Ekalale, a boda boda rider who regularly visits local clinics. “We thank the health department for finally acting.”
Mentorship programs have already been launched in some facilities, including
