The Senate Committee on Health has expressed deep concern over unpaid medical bills and rising teenage pregnancies at Kiambu County Referral Hospital following an oversight visit to assess service delivery, infrastructure, and resource use in the facility. Chaired by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, the committee’s inspection aimed to evaluate public health facilities across the county and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
During the visit, the committee found several mothers had been admitted for over three months without clearing hospital bills. Following discussions with the County Executive, it was agreed that the outstanding bills would be settled under the Wamatangi Care programme, allowing affected indigent mothers to be discharged within 48 hours. The committee also highlighted the high rate of teenage pregnancies at the hospital and urged county leadership, including Members of the County Assembly, to prioritize community sensitization initiatives to curb the trend.
The oversight team further noted that many mothers lacked Social Health Authority (SHA) coverage, which could reduce financial barriers and improve access to healthcare services. Infrastructure deficiencies were also raised, including a non-functional medical waste incinerator, which poses health risks. County Assembly members assured the committee that funds for a new incinerator would be included in the next supplementary budget. Gaps were also observed in the hospital’s mortuary, including inadequate equipment, prompting recommendations for additional tools, permanent employment for staff, and consideration of promotions for long-serving personnel.
The Senate’s oversight visit extended to Ruaka Level 3 and Karuri facilities, where ongoing improvement works were inspected. The committee has directed the County Assembly Health Committee to follow up with the County Executive and prepare a comprehensive report for tabling in the Senate. The visit underscores ongoing challenges in public healthcare in Kiambu County, from financial barriers to infrastructure gaps, while emphasizing the need for collaboration between county and national authorities to ensure timely, effective, and accessible healthcare services.