The Senate Health Committee has called for urgent infrastructural expansion and increased funding for Nyahururu County Referral Hospital to accommodate the rising number of patients it receives from Laikipia and seven neighboring counties.
During an oversight visit, the three-member team led by Committee Vice Chairperson Senator Mariam Sheik Omar emphasized the hospital’s critical role in providing healthcare to a wide catchment area, stretching beyond Laikipia to Nyandarua, Baringo, Samburu, Nakuru, Isiolo, Meru, and Nyeri counties. She called for a stronger partnership between the national and county governments to prioritize investment in the hospital’s infrastructure, equipment, and staff.
“This facility is playing a vital regional role and urgently needs more support. The burden it carries is immense, and both levels of government must collaborate to ensure it is properly equipped to meet growing demand,” said Senator Omar, who represents Mandera County.
The senator further recommended that targeted grants be issued to fast-track the hospital’s upgrading, adding that the committee will advocate for the inclusion of these recommendations in its official report to the Senate.
Among the pressing challenges identified during the tour were inadequate staffing, an overstretched mortuary, and the limited availability of affordable drugs.
Senator Omar, however, commended the maternity wing for its commitment and the quality of care provided to mothers and newborns.
Senator Richard Onyonka, a member of the committee, raised concerns over the poor disposal of hazardous medical waste and drug shortages in the pharmacy section. Nevertheless, he noted that the overall service delivery and cleanliness at the hospital were commendable and above average compared to similar facilities.
Nominated Senator Hamida Ali Kibwana (Lamu County) addressed the issue of detained mothers who are unable to pay their hospital bills. She urged both the hospital management and government authorities to issue waivers in such cases, warning that prolonged detention could increase the risk of infections due to overcrowding.
“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 stated.
The committee also took note of the positive feedback from patients regarding the performance of the Social Health Authority (SHA) within the hospital, praising the facility’s effective engagement with health insurance and claims processing.
The hospital reportedly maintains a 50% claims payment rate an impressive figure compared to many public hospitals across the country.
In conclusion, the Senate Health Committee urged the Laikipia County Government to prioritize the hospital’s development, noting that its strategic position and patient load make it a cornerstone of regional healthcare delivery.
“Nyahururu Referral Hospital is not just a county facility it’s a regional lifeline serving seven counties at ago. 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 affirmed.
