Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced new guidelines targeting referral hospitals across Kenya, following the tragic death of a young patient at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on July 11, 2025.
Speaking after a crisis meeting with CEOs of all national referral hospitals, Duale said the government is moving swiftly to implement urgent reforms.
The rules are aimed at rebuilding public confidence and safeguarding patient welfare. The meeting was also attended by Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga.
Duale said that patient safety is non-negotiable, noting that security and operational measures are being tightened with immediate effect.
Also Read: Duale Orders Crackdown on Bed Sharing in Public Hospitals
Key Changes Announced
Among the key changes is the enforcement of stricter visitor protocols.
All referral hospitals will now observe a two-visitor limit per patient, and mandatory screening will be conducted at all entry points to avoid potential risks and enhance safety in the wards.
The Health CS also unveiled a nationwide quality assurance program designed to improve patient care and hospital accountability.
The reforms include:
- Regular patient safety rounds in wards and critical units;
- Strengthened complaint escalation procedures;
- Introduction of anonymous feedback mechanisms for patients and caregivers;
- Continuous training of hospital staff on patient rights and safety standards.
“Effective immediately, all referral hospitals will enforce tighter security measures: a two-visitor limit per patient and mandatory screening at entry points. This follows concerns raised by hospital leadership, underscoring a shared priority, patient safety is non-negotiable,” Duale stated.
Also Read: Duale to Close 1,000 Hospitals
Duale on Patients Abandoned by Families
Further, the Cabinet Secretary stated that the Ministry of Health will collaborate with the Ministry of Interior and community leaders to help trace families of patients who have been abandoned in hospitals.
He noted that the goal is to ensure dignified discharges and proper placement of vulnerable individuals into suitable care facilities.
Duale pledged continued engagement to ensure the reforms are fully implemented and tragedies like the KNH incident are never repeated.
“We must protect patient dignity and ensure such a tragedy never recurs,” he added.
The press briefing was attended by CEOs of national referral hospitals, including Dr. William Sigilai (KNH), Dr. Richard Lesiyampe (Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital – JOOTRH), Dr. Zainab Gura (Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital – KUTRRH),
Additionally, Dr. Peter Muiruri (Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital – MKTRH), Dr. Nderi Lawrence (Meru National Teaching and Referral Hospital – MNTRH), Dr. Philip Kirwa (MTRH), and Dr. Shikuku Kibet (Samburu Integrated Teaching and Referral Hospital – SITRH) were in attendance.
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