The Makueni County Government has terminated the contract of a nurse attached to Kee Level 3 Hospital in Kaiti Sub-County over alleged misconduct involving threats to a patient.
According to a letter dated October 22, 2025, and signed by Kaiti Sub-County Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Philip Maiko, the nurse, identified as Nicodemus, was officially notified of the termination and instructed to hand over his duties before vacating office.
“I hereby write to provide an official notification of termination of your contract as a registered nurse with Kaiti Sub-County,” the letter reads in part.
“This termination of contract takes effect by Friday, October 24, 2025. Ensure handing over is done to the facility in charge before exit.”
The communication was copied to several senior officials, including the Chief Officer of Health (Human Resource Management and Administration), the Director of Health Planning, and the Facility in Charge at Kee Health Centre.
Sources within the county health department revealed that the disciplinary action followed an internal review into a complaint lodged against the nurse.
The nurse allegedly sent a threatening text message to a patient who failed to purchase prescribed medication from a particular chemist he had recommended.
The patient reportedly raised the matter with county health authorities, prompting an investigation by the sub-county health office. After reviewing the evidence, the administration deemed the nurse’s conduct unethical and contrary to public service standards.
“The allegations were taken seriously because they directly touched on patient safety and professional integrity,” a senior health official familiar with the case said. “Health workers are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, especially in their dealings with patients.”
Dr. Maiko, in his letter, acknowledged the nurse’s previous service to the health facility but emphasized that professional misconduct cannot be tolerated.
He thanked the nurse for his past dedication and service to the institution, noting that the decision was made in line with county public service regulations.
The Makueni County Health Department has in recent months intensified internal monitoring of its health facilities to curb cases of professional misconduct, negligence, and extortion.
Officials say the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen accountability and restore public trust in the county’s healthcare system.
Health experts and professional associations have consistently underscored the importance of ethics in healthcare delivery. Under the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) code of conduct, nurses are required to maintain confidentiality, respect patient autonomy, and avoid conflicts of interest — including directing patients to specific private businesses for personal gain.
The latest incident has reignited debate over disciplinary oversight in Kenya’s public health sector, with many calling for stronger enforcement of professional standards to deter similar cases.
A senior official at the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), speaking on condition of anonymity, said while due process must be followed in all disciplinary actions, healthcare professionals must always remember that “patients’ rights and dignity come first.”
Makueni County has been among the devolved units praised for introducing performance monitoring systems within its health department. However, officials admit that isolated incidents of misconduct occasionally arise, often tied to private business interests or ethical lapses by a few individuals.
The dismissal of the Kee Level 3 Hospital nurse sends a strong message that the county government intends to uphold strict ethical standards and accountability within its workforce.
As of Friday, October 24, 2025, the nurse was expected to complete the official handover to the facility’s in-charge before vacating office.
