Senators Shocked by State of Kiambu Hospital During Surprise Inspection Visit

 

Kiambu County headquarters during the Senate Health Committee’s inspection of Kiambu Level 5 Hospital.

A team of Senators was left stunned after discovering dire conditions at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital during an unannounced inspection on Tuesday, exposing what they termed as neglect and mismanagement within the county’s healthcare system.

The Senate Health Committee, which had toured the facility to assess service delivery and use of public health funds, found patients sharing beds, broken equipment, overcrowded wards, and glaring shortages of essential medication. Some patients were reportedly forced to purchase basic drugs and supplies from private pharmacies outside the hospital.

Committee members expressed disappointment, noting that the facility receives substantial public funds but remains overstretched and under-equipped.

Senator (Chairperson) said the situation was unacceptable and demanded immediate accountability.

“This hospital is supposed to serve thousands of residents in Kiambu and the surrounding areas. What we have witnessed today is not only shocking but also a sign of serious system failure. We cannot continue to allocate funds that do not translate to improved healthcare services,” the Senator stated.

Nurses and clinical officers who engaged the committee cited delays in funding, insufficient staffing, and inconsistent supply of medical essentials as key challenges affecting service delivery. They noted that staff morale had declined due to overwhelming patient numbers and inadequate support.

A number of patients and relatives also spoke to the Senators, lamenting long waiting hours and lack of medicine.

“We are always told to go buy medicine from outside. Sometimes you are admitted but you still have to pay for items that should be provided here,” said one patient’s relative.

The committee has now summoned officials from the Kiambu County Health Department to appear before the Senate for a detailed explanation on budget allocation, procurement processes, and the state of the hospital infrastructure.

The Senators assured residents that necessary action would be taken.

“Our role is to ensure public funds are used properly and citizens receive quality healthcare. This matter will not be swept under the carpet,” the committee members said.

The visit comes amid growing public concern over the condition of several county-run hospitals across the country, with many accusing county governments of prioritizing politics over service delivery.

Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: November 11, 2025