Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a child at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), following disturbing allegations of medical negligence raised by the child’s mother.
The child, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, reportedly died after being treated at the country’s largest referral hospital. According to the mother, Susan Wanjira, the boy was admitted following a car accident but later succumbed under circumstances she believes point to potential neglect or substandard care at the facility.
In response to the allegations, CS Duale has tasked the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) with launching a thorough and independent inquiry. The Council is expected to work closely with Wanjira to reconstruct the events leading up to her son’s death and to determine whether any lapses occurred in the provision of care at KNH.
“The loss of a child is a devastating experience. We owe it to the family and the Kenyan public to establish the truth and hold anyone responsible to account,” said CS Duale in a press statement released Tuesday. “The Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring that our health institutions are safe spaces where patients receive quality and timely care.”
While specific details surrounding the incident remain unclear, the Ministry confirmed that the investigation would focus on medical protocols followed during the child’s admission and treatment, staff conduct, and timelines of care delivery. The findings are expected to guide any disciplinary or administrative action deemed necessary.
The directive comes amid growing public scrutiny of Kenya’s health system, where concerns about service delivery, delayed care, and overcrowding at major hospitals have been persistent. KNH, as the flagship public health institution in the country, has particularly been under pressure to uphold the highest standards of patient care.
In addition to the investigation, CS Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing oversight in public hospitals and restoring public trust. “This case must be a turning point in how we approach complaints from patients and families. Accountability must be enforced at all levels of the health system,” he emphasized.
The Ministry of Health has pledged to make the findings of the investigation public once the report is complete. Meanwhile, Kenyans continue to await answers in what has become a deeply emotional and symbolic case of healthcare responsibility in the country.
Written By Rodney Mbua
