Senate Committee Urges Urgent Upgrade of Nyahururu Referral Hospital Amid Rising Patient Pressure
NYAHURURU — Senators are calling for the urgent expansion and better funding of Nyahururu County Referral Hospital, citing its growing patient load from Laikipia and seven surrounding counties. The appeal follows a Senate Health Committee oversight visit on Wednesday.
Senator Mariam Sheik Omar, Vice Chairperson of the committee, led the visit. She stressed that the hospital, originally designed for county-level care, now serves patients from Nyandarua, Baringo, Samburu, Nakuru, Isiolo, Meru, and Nyeri.
“This facility is playing a vital regional role and urgently needs more support,” Omar said during the inspection. “The burden it carries is immense, and both levels of government must collaborate to ensure it is properly equipped to meet growing demand.”
The committee recommended immediate infrastructure upgrades, recruitment of more staff, and additional equipment. It proposed targeted grants from the national government to fast-track the hospital’s expansion.
Facility strained by demand yet commended for service
The senators identified major challenges, including an overstretched mortuary, critical staff shortages, and unreliable drug availability. However, they commended the hospital’s maternity wing for maintaining high standards of care for mothers and newborns despite the strain.
Senator Richard Onyonka noted poor disposal practices for medical waste and ongoing drug stock-outs in the pharmacy, but praised the hospital’s hygiene and general service quality.
“The overall service delivery is commendable, and in many areas, it exceeds what we’ve seen in similar facilities,” Onyonka said.
Detained patients raise ethical health concerns
Nominated Senator Hamida Ali Kibwana addressed the issue of mothers detained over unpaid medical bills. She urged hospital leadership and government officials to grant waivers, warning that detaining patients endangers their health and violates their rights.
“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.
Effective use of Health Insurance
The committee highlighted positive feedback from patients on the hospital’s engagement with the Social Health Authority (SHA). The hospital currently maintains a 50% claims payment rate—an impressive record in comparison to other public hospitals in Kenya.
Senators said this performance shows potential for further improvement if the hospital is given the resources it needs.
Call for action from Laikipia and national governments
The committee concluded by urging the Laikipia County Government to prioritize the hospital’s expansion and seek stronger partnerships with national authorities.
“Nyahururu Referral Hospital is not just a county facility. It’s a regional lifeline serving seven counties at once,” the senators said in a joint statement. “The government must move with speed to expand its capacity and equip it to serve the population it is already receiving, and more.”
The committee’s recommendations are expected to be included in an official report tabled in the Senate in the coming weeks.
