Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced new security measures in all referral facilities in the country.
This follows the tragic loss of a young Kenyan at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on July 11, 2025.
Duale convened a crisis meeting with CEOs of all national referral hospitals to initiate urgent reforms and rebuild public trust in our health system.
Among the measures is installation of CCTV cameras, and limitations of visitors per patient as well as screening if visitors at entry points.
“Effective immediately, all referral hospitals will enforce tighter security measures: a two-visitor limit per patient and mandatory screening at entry points,” stated Duale.
The move follows concerns raised by hospital leadership, underscoring a shared priority, that patient safety is non-negotiable.
The CS in his address to press on Monday also revealed that the Ministry is also rolling out a nationwide quality assurance protocol that includes:
1. Regular patient safety rounds;
2. Stronger complaint escalation systems;
3. Anonymous feedback tools.
4. Ongoing staff training on patient rights and safety.
“Where negligence is found, decisive action will follow,” he said.
Additionally, hospitals will work with the Ministry of Interior and community leaders to trace families of abandoned patients, support dignified discharges and place vulnerable individuals in proper care.
The CS reiterated the need to protect patient dignity and ensure such a tragedy never recurs.
The press briefing was attended by Medical Services PS Dr Ouma Oluga and C.E.Os of national hospitals including Dr William Sigilai (KNH), Dr. Richard Lesiyampe(JOOTRH), Dr. Zainab Gura (KUTRRH), Dr. Peter Muiruri (MKTRH), Dr Nderi Lawrence (MNTRH), Dr Philip Kirwa (MTRH) and Dr Shikuku Kibet (SITRH).
