Senate Health Committee Flags Staff Shortages, Poor Maintenance in County Facilities

The Senate Health Committee has raised alarm over critical gaps in Kenya’s county health systems, citing staff shortages, poor maintenance of equipment, and underutilization of available funds following an oversight tour of Nakuru County, Baringo County, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, and Nandi County.

The tour, led by committee chair Jackson Mandago, assessed service delivery, infrastructure, and resource utilization in public health facilities across the four counties.

Senators reported overcrowded wards and long patient queues, attributing the strain largely to a shortage of healthcare workers. Mandago called for urgent intervention to boost staffing and equip facilities adequately.

“We need sufficient personnel and adequate equipment in our health facilities to guarantee quality healthcare,” he said.

The committee also expressed concern over the weak utilization of the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF), noting that some hospitals were not fully leveraging the resources available to them. Members urged county governments to empower facility managers with greater control over the funds to address pressing needs more efficiently.

At the same time, counties were asked to clear outstanding debts owed to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to stabilize the supply of essential drugs and medical equipment.

As part of proposed solutions, Senator Richard Onyonka pointed to Kiambu Level 5 Hospital as a model facility, highlighting its adoption of solar energy, which has significantly reduced operational costs. He encouraged counties to invest in renewable energy to improve efficiency and sustainability.

However, Onyonka cautioned that investments in infrastructure must be matched with proper upkeep. He called for the establishment of maintenance boards to ensure hospital equipment remains functional.

Despite increased funding in the health sector, some facilities remain in poor condition. Senator Chemitei Cheburet cited Kimelel in Baringo County as an example of a neglected facility where resources have yet to translate into improved services.

The committee also urged increased registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA), calling on healthcare workers to intensify public enrollment efforts. Members said they would engage the Ministry of Health over delays in remittances that facilities claim are disrupting operations.

Another major concern was congestion in hospital mortuaries, partly due to bodies brought in by police. Senators proposed conditional grants to support the construction of separate police mortuaries to ease the burden on health facilities.

Additionally, the committee flagged the continued presence of asbestos in some hospitals, warning of serious health risks. Mandago stressed the urgency of addressing the issue.

“We cannot claim to be fighting cancer while exposing patients and staff to cancer-causing materials within our own facilities,” he said.

The committee is expected to compile its findings into a report to be tabled in the Senate for debate and further action.