The first world war left misery, pain and anguish in its wake. Years after the war, people were still coming to terms with the losses they had incurred and also looking for ways to heal.

Dr. Norman Jewell was a doctor during the world war. As he traversed parts of East Africa, he saw the extent to which the war had left people miserable.

On one of his trips to Nakuru, he was given the privilege of presiding over the opening of the Nakuru war Memorial Hospital.

Watch: What is the Nakuru war memorial takeover and why is it happening now?

This hospital was there to honor and commemorate the troops both African and European, who had lost their lives in the war.

In essence, the hospital was a constant reminder of the pain that was incurred but also stood as a glimmer of hope and offer health services for all in need.

The hospital stands on 25 acres of prime land in Nakuru.

The hospital operated normally until 1972 when it came under the spotlight, when former President, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta annexed part of the hospital forcibly and part of the hospital went to the national government.

The transition was seamless and for the better part of 51 years, the two have worked in tandem with both giving primary health care services to the public.

Read: Are there any services running at Nakuru war memorial hospital?

As recent as 2020, PGH annex was used as an isolation center for health workers.

Now in 2023, the county government is coming after the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital this time not wanting a part of it but the hospital as a whole.

Sign post outside Nakuru war memorial hospital erased with white paint on October 29, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

The Nakuru War Memorial Hospital ownership was previously under the care of the Nakuru War Memorial Trust which was registered owner of the land but till recently it has been managed by a private company.

Related: PGH annex and war memorial hospitals differ on land ownership

When Dr. Norman Jewell was presiding over the opening of the hospital, he had a vision of it being the common constant and help to all those who may need it, but as it stands the hospital looks like it will be fading into oblivion.

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Nakuru war memorial hospital: Where it all begun

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Bret Sanya