HEALTH CS ANNOUNCES IMMEDIATE REFORMS IN NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITALS AFTER KNH TRAGEDY

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced immediate reforms across all referral hospitals following the tragic incident at Kenyatta National Hospital on July 11, 2025. The measures were unveiled during a crisis meeting attended by chief executives of all national referral hospitals on Monday. Among the key changes is the introduction of stricter security protocols, including a limit of two visitors per patient and mandatory screening at all hospital entry points. Duale emphasized that these steps were necessary to ensure patient safety, which he described as non-negotiable.

 To prevent criminal activities and patient abandonment, all individuals, including police officers, bringing patients to emergency units must now present identification, which will be recorded. “No patient will be admitted if dropped off by unidentified persons,” Duale stated.  He explained that this policy would help safeguard patients and healthcare workers while deterring impersonation and other illegal acts within hospitals. A nationwide quality assurance program has also been launched to improve patient care standards. The initiative includes regular patient safety rounds, stronger complaint handling systems, anonymous feedback tools, and continuous staff training on patient rights and safety.

Additionally, hospitals will enhance security by tightening access controls and expanding CCTV coverage. Duale warned that negligence would not be tolerated, with confirmed cases facing decisive action. Hospitals will also collaborate with the Ministry of Interior and community leaders to trace families of abandoned patients and ensure dignified discharges for vulnerable individuals. The reforms follow the murder of Edward Maingi Ndegwa at KNH on July 17, 2025. The patient was found dead in Ward 7B after visiting hours. Investigations led to the arrest of another patient, Kennedy Kalombotole, who is also suspected in the February 2025 killing of Gilbert Kinyua in Ward 7C. Present at the meeting were Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga and CEOs of all national referral hospitals, including KNH’s William Sigilai and MTRH’s Philip Kirwa.