A Senate committee has called for urgent investment and infrastructure upgrades at Nyahururu County Referral Hospital, highlighting its critical role in serving patients across multiple counties in Kenya.
Led by Senate Health Committee Vice Chairperson Mariam Sheik Omar, the three-member oversight team visited the hospital and stressed the urgent need for a stronger partnership between national and county governments. The hospital, located in Laikipia County, serves not only the local population but also receives referrals from Nyandarua, Baringo, Samburu, Nakuru, Isiolo, Meru, and Nyeri counties.
“This facility is playing a vital regional role and urgently needs more support,” said Senator Omar, who represents Mandera County. “The burden it carries is immense, and both levels of government must collaborate to ensure it is properly equipped to meet growing demand.”
She proposed that targeted grants be issued to fast-track the hospital’s upgrade and pledged that the Senate committee would push for these recommendations to be included in its official report.
During the visit, the senators identified several pressing challenges, including inadequate staffing, an overstretched mortuary, and limited availability of affordable drugs. However, the team commended the maternity wing for its dedication and the quality of care offered to mothers and newborns.
Senator Richard Onyonka, also part of the delegation, raised concerns about poor disposal of hazardous medical waste and recurring drug shortages in the pharmacy. Despite these challenges, he lauded the hospital’s overall cleanliness and above-average service delivery when compared to similar facilities.
Nominated Senator Hamida Ali Kibwana from Lamu County raised a human rights concern regarding detained mothers who are unable to clear hospital bills. She called for urgent government intervention to offer waivers in such cases.
“It is unacceptable to keep mothers and infants in wards because of unpaid bills. This not only violates their dignity but also creates health hazards,” she said.
The senators urged for immediate reforms, noting that a well-resourced Nyahururu Referral Hospital is essential to the health and wellbeing of communities across central and northern Kenya.
