The Kenya government continues to unravel the mystery object that fell in Mukuku village, Makueni County, on Monday, December 30, 2024. Makueni residents looking at the space object that fell in Mukuku village. Authorities led by Kenya Space Agency (KSA) arrived to assess the object, with initial reports suggesting it was debris from a rocket, specifically from a rocket-separation stage.
There were no reports of injuries or casualties, but the Ministry of Health pointed out the possibility of hazardous risks from the 500-kilogram metallic ring rocket object. On Saturday, January 4, 2025, Health Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni shared the steps taken to mitigate any potential risk to public health from the object “In a Public Health Response, the Ministry of Health has acted decisively to mitigate potential risks to public health and safety.
Although preliminary assessments suggest no immediate threat to public health, we advise the public to avoid the area where the object was found and refrain from handling any unknown materials,” said Muthoni. Muthoni urged the residents to report any health concerns or unusual environmental changes to local health authorities.
The PS listed the following actions taken by the ministry:
1. Guidance on Public Health Risks
Providing protocols for handling such objects and medical measures for suspected exposure to hazardous substances.
2. Deployment of Specialized Teams
The Ministry of Health committed to deploy the following specialised teams in the area: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) experts. Environmental Health specialists. Emergency and Disaster Response personnel. Risk Communication experts and the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC).
3. Community Engagement
PS Muthoni said the government is working with community health promoters and local authorities to enhance risk communication and address public concerns. Other actions underway by the ministry include: Intensified public awareness campaigns on short- and long-term health impacts of potential chemical hazards.
Provision of mental health and psychosocial support for affected communities. Strengthening national preparedness and response capacity for CBRN incidents. Developing a comprehensive policy framework for managing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards. Procurement of additional protective equipment for training and response.
by Wycliffe Musalia
