Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango has today sought a statement from the Standing Committee on Health regarding the delayed construction of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Wamumu Station Medical Facility in Mwea West Sub-County. 

While reading the request for the statement on the Floor of the House, the lawmaker requested the Committee to apprise the Senate of the nature of the medical facility intended to be constructed on the 100-acre piece of public land given to KEMRI by the Kirinyaga County Government, stating the scope of works to be undertaken and the range of services to be offered once the facility is complete. 

Senator Murango also asked the Committee to state whether the contract for the construction of the medical facility has been awarded and, if so, indicate whether there is a clause in the contract safeguarding job opportunities for locals during construction, as espoused in the County Government Act 2012, particularly for unskilled labour. 

The Senator further asked the Committee on Health to state any logistical and financial challenges KEMRI may be having in undertaking the project and the measures put in place to address those challenges, besides indicating when the construction is likely to commence and the tentative completion date.