Senators are urging the government to increase the number of national teaching and referral hospitals across underserved areas to ensure all citizens have fair access to specialised healthcare. The call comes amid growing concerns over overcrowding in the few existing facilities, leaving many patients with limited options.
Senators highlighted that numerous Kenyans, including those with terminal illnesses, are compelled to travel long distances for specialised treatment, with some reportedly dying before reaching care.
Currently, only six national teaching and referral hospitals serve the country’s population of over 55 million, creating unequal access to quality healthcare. Lawmakers stressed the urgent need for more hospitals in every region to reduce the physical and financial burden on patients.
In a motion led by Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma, the Senate is advocating for new national referral hospitals in the Coast, Eastern, North Eastern, and Western regions.
“The proposed facilities should be fully equipped with modern medical equipment, adequate supplies, and sufficient personnel,” Mwaruma said, emphasizing that these hospitals must meet the highest standards.
At present, Nairobi is home to three national referral hospitals: Kenyatta National Hospital, Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, and the National Spinal Injury Hospital.
The remaining three are Kenyatta University Research and Teaching Hospital in Kiambu, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Siaya.
“The rest of the regions, formerly provinces under the old Constitution, do not have these critical facilities,” Mwaruma noted, pointing out that long journeys often worsen patients’ conditions and can sometimes lead to death. Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo suggested that each of the former eight provinces should have at least one national referral hospital, while nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda observed that the number of these facilities has not kept pace with population growth.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola highlighted the strain on existing hospitals, noting that Kenyatta National Hospital has about 1,800 beds, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital 1,020, and Mathari 800.
Senators also called for a fair funding system, free from political influence, and recommended upgrading select county hospitals to national referral status to reduce pressure and bring services closer to communities.
