Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a raft of reforms following the murder of a patient at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on Friday, July 11.
In a statement on Monday, July 28, Duale said the government is committed to implementing changes aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future.
"Following the tragic loss of a young Kenyan at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on July 11, 2025, I convened a crisis meeting with CEOs of all national referral hospitals to initiate urgent reforms and rebuild public trust in our health system," he said.
One of the immediate changes includes stricter security protocols across all national referral hospitals.
Duale said only two visitors per patient will be allowed, and mandatory screening will now be enforced at all entry points.
Read More
"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," he added.
In addition to security changes, Duale said the Ministry of Health will launch a countrywide quality assurance program.
The initiative includes regular patient safety inspections, better channels for lodging complaints, and anonymous feedback mechanisms to encourage transparency.
"We are also rolling out a nationwide quality assurance protocol that includes: regular patient safety rounds; stronger complaint escalation systems and anonymous feedback tools. Ongoing staff training on patient rights and safety," he stated.
Duale warned that any form of negligence uncovered during investigations or audits will be met with action.
"Where negligence is found, decisive action will follow. We must protect patient dignity and ensure such a tragedy never recurs," he further said.
Duale also addressed the plight of patients who are abandoned in hospitals, stating that the facilities, the Ministry of Interior, and local community leaders will work together to ensure they receive proper care.
"Additionally, hospitals will work with the Ministry of Interior and community leaders to trace families of abandoned patients, support dignified discharges and place vulnerable individuals in proper care," he concluded.
