Kiambu County has addressed escalating concerns over alleged infant deaths and the collapse of health services at county facilities.
According to the county's representative who spoke during a Kiambu Level 5 facility visit on Friday, the hospital's newborn unit remains fully functional and is providing critical care to vulnerable infants.
"Today we have come here to Kiambu Level 5 Hospital to confirm and show that Kiambu Level 5 Hospital is operating normally. Where we are is the newborn unit, where we take care of special patients who are really not patients, but people born before their time or people born with complications," the official stated.
The representative described the neonatal unit as one of the best units in Kenya and this region, seeking to counter growing public anger over claims that the facility has been unable to provide adequate care.
A nurse working in the newborn unit told journalists that the hospital is currently caring for 79 children, with 44 born at full term and 35 born prematurely.
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"Many of these children have come here because they are sick, and we take care of them. When they come to this hospital, our biggest wish is to take care of them so that they can go home safely," the nurse explained.
The nurse emphasized that services remain adequate despite the challenges.
"The services are good. We take care of them as needed. They get medicine and other services because we have staff and we are a group and we help them with their needs."
Another nurse highlighted the volume of deliveries handled by the facility, noting that the hospital conducts approximately 150 cesarean sections per month in addition to normal deliveries.
"When a patient comes in, even if he is from Kajiado or any other county, we help him with the services we have been accredited to give by the Ministry of Health and the WHO. We don't leave any patient behind," the nurse stated.
The county's defensive posture comes amid devastating allegations that over 100 newborns died during a prolonged doctors' strike that paralyzed health services across Kiambu.
Reports have suggested that at least 136 newborns succumbed due to the absence of doctors, with a further five mothers also dying within that period.
Critics have directed sharp accusations at Governor Kimani Wamatangi, claiming he failed to address the grievances of doctors, leading to the prolonged industrial action.
However, Governor Wamatangi has dismissed the criticism as politically motivated, suggesting that his rivals are exploiting the health crisis to undermine his administration.
The controversy has drawn the attention of Kiambu's parliamentary delegation, with six Members of Parliament calling for the national government to immediately assume control of the county's health sector.
The lawmakers accused Governor Wamatangi of arrogance, intimidation, and presiding over a systemic collapse that is costing lives.
In a joint press statement delivered at Parliament Buildings, the MPs demanded that the national government take charge of Kiambu's health function until 2027, effectively stripping Governor Wamatangi of the responsibility for the remainder of his term.
"When a devolved function becomes a threat to human life, the nation cannot look away," said Lari MP Joseph Mburu Kahangara. "The only realistic, life-saving path forward is for the national government to assume control of the county's health function until 2027."
The MPs, who include John Kiragu of Limuru, John Kawanjiku of Kiambaa, Elijah Njoroge Kururia of Gatundu North, Alice Ng'ang'a of Thika Town, and Gathua Wamacukuru of Kabete, painted a grim picture of collapsed hospitals, abandoned patients, and a mounting death toll.
