Duale orders security overhaul in hospitals after KNH incident

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a sweeping directive for nationwide hospital reforms following what he termed a "systems failure" at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), which led to the tragic death of Edward Maingi Ndegwa.

Addressing journalists at KNH on Monday, Duale described the incident as “unacceptable” and extended the ministry’s condolences to Ndegwa’s family.

“To the family of Edward, we’re sorry. The Ministry of Health extends its condolences to the Ndegwa family for such a sad ordeal,” said Duale.

The CS acknowledged growing public concern over safety in public health institutions, saying the ministry is taking immediate action to address systemic lapses.

“What happened at Kenyatta is unacceptable. That shows a system failure. I must address a humanitarian crisis.”

Duale directed all national referral hospitals to conduct a full security audit and implement corrective measures, including improving CCTV surveillance in sensitive hospital areas.

“We’re improving CCTV coverage in hospitals to ensure all sensitive areas are covered for accountability,” he said.

As part of enhanced hospital security and transparency, Duale announced the introduction of anonymous call monitoring systems, tighter visitor controls, and mandatory identity and vehicle details for all individuals, including police officers, who bring patients to hospitals.

“We will ask all persons, including police who bring in sick patients, to leave behind information, including vehicle number plate and ID,” he stated. “We aim to have anonymous calls in hospitals for security purposes.”

Duale also raised alarm over the increasing number of patients who remain in hospitals despite being discharged.

“Some 443 patients are still in hospitals; some have no family to return to, while others face financial challenges,” he said. “There are many abandoned patients in our hospitals. We ask Kenyans to step in and help us address these alarming issues.”

The ministry has launched a rapid response force tasked with reconnecting the 443 patients to their families and supporting those without homes.

“We are working to ensure we have a society that is compassionate enough to accept their kin back,” said the CS. “443 abandoned patients will be reconnected to their loved ones.”

Duale called on Kenyans to support the government's efforts, urging patience as reforms are rolled out.

“We understand that there is low confidence in our hospitals, but we urge you to be patient with us as we restore dignity,” he said. “We still commit to protect the life and dignity of all patients.”

The new measures, he confirmed, will apply to all hospitals across the country.