The Senate Committee on Health, chaired by Senator Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), conducted an oversight visit to the Kiambu County Referral Hospital to evaluate healthcare service delivery, infrastructure, and resource utilization within the county.
During the visit, the Committee raised concern over several mothers who had remained admitted for over three months due to unpaid medical bills.
After consultations with the County Executive, it was agreed that the bills would be cleared under the Wamatangi Care programme.
Senator Mandago commended the county government for the decision, saying the affected mothers — categorized as indigent — would be discharged within 48 hours.
The Committee also expressed alarm over the rising cases of teenage pregnancies recorded at the facility.
Members urged the county leadership, including the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), to intensify community awareness campaigns to curb the trend.
In addition, the Committee encouraged residents to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that many mothers in the maternity ward were uninsured.
Lawmakers said increased enrolment would ease the financial burden on families and improve access to essential healthcare services.
On infrastructure, the senators observed that the hospital’s incinerator was non-functional, posing a challenge to medical waste management. They urged the county to prioritize the acquisition of a new one.
County Assembly members assured the Committee that funds for a replacement would be included in the next supplementary budget.
The Committee also inspected the hospital’s mortuary section, noting gaps such as inadequate equipment and staffing.
It recommended that the county government provide necessary tools, offer permanent employment to workers, and promote long-serving staff to boost morale and service delivery.
The oversight visit also covered the Ruaka Level 3 and Karuri health facilities, where senators inspected ongoing improvement projects.
Senator Mandago emphasized the Committee’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare across the country.
The Senate directed the County Assembly Health Committee to follow up on the issues raised with the County Executive as the Senate prepares a comprehensive report to be tabled before the House for consideration.
