Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has ordered immediate reforms at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and other national referral hospitals following the tragic death of Edward Maingi Ndegwa, an incident he described as deeply regrettable and unacceptable.
Speaking during a visit to KNH, Duale expressed deep sorrow over the July 17 incident, vowing to restore public confidence in the national healthcare system.
“As stewards of public health, we bear full responsibility for protecting the lives, rights, and dignity of every patient,” he said.
Consequently, the CS directed all national referral hospitals to immediately audit their emergency response systems, security protocols, patient profiling mechanisms, and overall operations.
Duale disclosed that KNH had already begun expanding its CCTV surveillance, a move he urged other hospitals to emulate to enhance patient safety.
He at the same time highlighted a growing humanitarian concern in public hospitals, revealing that 443 patients across referral facilities remain abandoned or in long-term care due to financial and social barriers.
“This is not merely a logistical issue, but a national moral dilemma,” noted the CS.
To address the crisis, Duale instructed hospitals to work with the Ministry of Interior, chiefs, and community leaders to trace patients’ families and facilitate dignified discharges. For patients who cannot be reintegrated into society, he proposed placement in care institutions across the country.
“No Kenyan should die in a hospital because no one came to take them home,” he stated.
Duale also announced a national rollout of enhanced quality assurance measures. These will include daily patient safety rounds, improved systems for complaint escalation, anonymous feedback tools, and continuous training of healthcare workers on patient rights and service standards.
“Accountability must accompany intention. Where negligence is found, appropriate action will be taken,” warned the CS.
He added that a Rapid Response Taskforce has been established to oversee the implementation of the new measures and report directly to his office, with regular public updates to ensure transparency.
Acknowledging shaken public trust, Duale affirmed the government’s resolve to act decisively.
“We are not simply reacting; we are rebuilding. Our response will be measured by action, not promises,” he vowed.
Further, the CS called on healthcare workers to renew their commitment to service, emphasizing empathy and urgency in the treatment of all patients.
“You are the backbone of our health system,” he reminded them.
To the family of Edward Maingi Ndegwa and to all Kenyans, Duale offered heartfelt condolences and a firm assurance declaring, “We will turn this pain into purpose, and this tragedy into transformation.
By Naif Rashid
