Eldoret Activist Raises Alarm Over Crisis at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

An Eldoret-based community health activist, Juma Akumu, has sounded a stark warning over what he describes as a deepening crisis at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), claiming systemic failures are pushing the critical public institution to the brink.

In a strongly worded statement, Akumu—who says he has worked closely with the hospital for over a decade as a community health volunteer—painted a troubling picture of a facility struggling with drug shortages, broken equipment, and financial constraints that are increasingly shifting the burden onto patients.

According to Akumu, patients registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) are frequently being forced to purchase essential medications from private pharmacies due to stockouts within the hospital. He further alleged that malfunctioning medical equipment often remains unrepaired, compelling patients to seek costly services in private facilities.

“This is not just inefficiency—it is systemic failure,” Akumu stated, emphasizing that delays in treatment are becoming life-threatening for many families who cannot afford alternative care.

The activist also criticized recent healthcare financing reforms, particularly the centralization of revenue collection through the government’s e-Citizen platform. He argued that this system has deprived MTRH of direct access to its own funds, undermining its ability to maintain operations, restock drugs, and repair vital equipment.

Akumu raised concern over what he termed the collapse of social safety nets within the hospital. Previously, vulnerable patients—including the elderly and low-income families—could access support through hospital social services. However, he claims this assistance has significantly diminished, leaving many patients unable to settle their medical bills.

As a result, cases of patient detention over unpaid bills have reportedly increased. Akumu described the practice as “inhumane,” noting that some patients remain hospitalized longer than medically necessary, exposing them to additional health risks such as hospital-acquired infections.

He further highlighted the emotional and financial toll on families, alleging that some are unable to retrieve the bodies of deceased relatives from the mortuary until outstanding bills are cleared.

The activist questioned why MTRH, a Level 6 referral hospital serving millions across western Kenya and the North Rift region, has not been accredited to provide outpatient services under SHA. He contrasted this with nearby private hospitals that are reportedly fully accredited, suggesting that the current system may be indirectly benefiting private healthcare providers.

Akumu called on Jackson Mandago, who chairs the Senate Health Committee, alongside the Parliamentary Health Committee, to urgently investigate the situation.

Among his key demands are:

• An immediate audit of MTRH’s financial and operational systems

• Restoration of financial autonomy to the hospital

• Accreditation for SHA outpatient services

• Policy measures to end the detention of patients over unpaid bills

“Access to healthcare is not a privilege—it is a constitutional right,” Akumu said, urging authorities to act swiftly to restore dignity and functionality within one of Kenya’s most critical public health institutions.

His remarks add to growing public concern over the state of healthcare delivery in the country, particularly as Kenya continues to roll out reforms aimed at achieving universal health coverage.