The Senate Committee on Health has raised serious concerns over unpaid medical bills and rising teenage pregnancies at Kiambu County Referral Hospital following an oversight visit aimed at assessing healthcare delivery, infrastructure, and resource use in the facility.
In a statement shared on Facebook on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the committee visited the Kiambu referral hospital as part of its oversight role.
“The Senate Committee on Health, chaired by Senator Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), conducted an oversight visit to Kiambu County Referral Hospital as part of its mandate to assess healthcare service delivery, infrastructure and resource utilisation in public health facilities across the country,” the statement reads.
During the visit, the committee was alarmed that several mothers had been admitted for over three months without being able to clear their hospital bills. Discussions with the County Executive led to a commitment to settle the outstanding bills under the Wamatangi Care programme.
“During the visit, the Committee raised concern over mothers who had remained in the hospital for more than three months due to unpaid medical bills. After deliberations with the County Executive, the leadership agreed to clear the pending bills under the Wamatangi Care programme. Mandago commended the county government for addressing the matter, noting that the affected mothers, categorised as indigents, would be discharged within 48 hours,” the statement reads
The committee also drew attention to the high rate of teenage pregnancies at the facility. “The Committee also highlighted the alarming rate of teenage pregnancies recorded at the facility and urged Kiambu County leadership, including Members of the County Assembly, to prioritise community sensitisation to address the rising numbers,” the statement reads
Further, the committee emphasised the importance of residents registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA). Many women admitted to the maternity ward reportedly lacked SHA coverage, which could ease financial burdens and improve access to healthcare services.
On the infrastructure front, concerns were raised about the hospital’s non-functional incinerator. “On infrastructure, the Committee expressed concern over the hospital’s non-functional incinerator and emphasised the urgent need to improve medical waste management. County Assembly members assured the Committee that provisions for procuring a new incinerator would be included in the next supplementary budget,” the statement reads
The committee also noted gaps in the mortuary, including inadequate equipment. Recommendations included providing necessary tools, offering permanent employment to staff, and considering promotions for long-serving personnel.
The oversight visit extended to Ruaka Level 3 and Karuri facilities, where ongoing improvement works were inspected. The Senate Committee has directed the County Assembly Health Committee to follow up with the County Executive as it prepares a comprehensive report for tabling before the House for consideration.
“The visit also covered Ruaka Level 3 and Karuri facilities, where the Committee inspected ongoing improvement works,” the statement reads
The visit highlights ongoing challenges in public health facilities in Kiambu, from financial barriers to infrastructure gaps, while emphasising collaboration between county and national authorities to ensure timely and effective healthcare delivery.
