The government, through the State Department for Public Health, has initiated swift measures following the discovery of a mysterious object in Makueni County on Monday, December 30, 2024.
In a statement on Saturday, January 4, 2025, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni announced the deployment of a multi-agency team to address the incident.
Specialized teams involved include Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) experts, Environmental Health specialists, Emergency Disaster Response personnel, Risk Communication experts, and the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC).
The PS emphasized that the government is working closely with community health promoters and local authorities to address public concerns and enhance risk communication.
“In response to this incident, a multi-agency team was swiftly deployed to the site. Security personnel cordoned off the area, engaging the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), Kenya Space Agency (KSA), Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), and the Ministry of Health (MoH) to coordinate the response and ensure public safety,” Muthoni stated.
She outlined several ongoing actions, including intensified public awareness campaigns about the health impacts of potential chemical hazards, provision of mental health and psychosocial support for affected communities, and strengthening national preparedness for CBRN incidents.
The PS advised the public to avoid the area where the object was found and to refrain from handling any unknown materials.
“While preliminary assessments suggest no immediate threat to public health, communities are encouraged to report any health concerns or unusual environmental changes to local health authorities,” she said.
Muthoni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public safety, promising updates as investigations progress.
The object, a metallic ring approximately 2.5 meters in diameter and weighing 500 kilograms, was discovered in Mukuku Village, Mukuku Sub-location, Nduluku Location, Waia Division, Mbooni East Sub-County, Makueni County.
Preliminary findings by the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) on December 31, 2024, suggested that the object might have originated from a space launch vehicle, such as a rocket.
The government’s coordinated response aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all Kenyans while addressing the incident’s potential implications.
