The Ministry of Health (MoH) has provided another update on the overturned truck carrying sodium cyanide along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
Sodium cyanide is an extremely dangerous poison commonly used to refine gold.
MoH Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the ministry in collaboration with relevant ministries and the Kiambu county government has successfully responded to the incident.
Muthoni said although the site has been cleared and is safe for normal use, several drums containing the toxic chemical are missing and suspected to be in the possession of individuals within the surrounding community.
“The public is cautioned not to touch damaged containers or spilled material unless when wearing protective clothing.
She said that sodium cyanide is extremely toxic, and even small amounts of ingestion or inhalation can be fatal.
“In case of contact, affected individuals should immediately flush their skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes and contact the Public Health Emergency Operation Center at 0729471414 or080072136 (toll-free), and the National Disaster Operation Centre at 0800721571for assistance,” she said.
Muthoni said that although there have been no cases of poisoning reported, the ministry has initiated risk communication and community engagement through churches, primary care networks, community health promoters, national government administration officers, and the Nyumba Kumi initiative.
“These efforts aim to track, monitor, and secure any chemicals that may have wrongfully ended up in the community.”
The public is advised not to touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing protective clothing.
“To minimize exposure, small spills should be covered with dry earth, dry sand, or any other non-combustible material.”
Residents who may have come into contact with the chemical are advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
A temporary station, manned by the Kiambu County Health Department, has been established near the incident site to review, advise, and support those who may have difficulty accessing health facilities,” she said.
Individuals in possession of the missing chemicals are requested to surrender them to the personnel at the temporary station or call the emergency numbers provided for information on how to return them to the authorities.
