CS Duale Announces Radical Reforms For Hospitals After KNH Visit
Mandatory CCTV cameras, restricted patient visits, mandatory visitor screening, and routine safety inspections are among the new rules given by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to all national referral hospitals.
On Monday, July 28, Duale issued an order to national referral hospitals around the country to comply with the rules immediately or face the repercussions.
He was speaking at Kenyatta National Hospital, which saw two patients slain in its wards this year.
The murders are thought to have been committed by the same individual.
Duale also urged hospitals to limit visitation to two per patient, adopt anonymous feedback methods, and provide staff training on patient rights and safety in order to avoid such situations in the future.
CS Duale also urged hospitals to collaborate with the Ministry of Interior, chiefs, and community leaders to help abandoned patients.
This included locating relatives, arranging dignified releases, and placing people in appropriate care facilities when reintegration was not possible.
"We must protect patient dignity and ensure such a tragedy never recurs."
— Kulan Post (@kulanpost) July 28, 2025
Health CS Aden Duale directs enhanced security enforcement in referral hospitals following murder of two patients in Kenyatta National Hospital. pic.twitter.com/uRKW15mxlP
This appears to be in response to the murder suspect’s position, as he is claimed to have no close family members to rely on and has been compelled to seek temporary accommodation at KNH forever.
Duale spoke during the press briefing at the hospital after holding a conference with the CEOs of all national referral facilities to examine the gaps and agree on immediate improvements to restore public trust in the health system.
“As a Ministry, we must safeguard the lives, rights, and dignity of all patients. We are committed to ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again,” said CS Duale.
On Thursday, July 17, Edward Maingi Ndegwa, a male patient admitted to Ward 7B on July 11, 2025, was killed.
In a statement given hours after the tragedy, KNH CEO William Sigilai revealed that the patient died during visiting hours, about 2 p.m.
ALSO READ:
- “Ruto’s Directive Saved Fuel Prices!” – Wandayi Claims Despite Public Outcry
- Ruto CSs Make Flurry Of Appointments As Attorney General Picks Governor Kilonzo
- Outrage After 25-Year-Old Man Dies In Police Custody
- ODM’s Oburu Responds To Reports Of Suspending Coalition Talks With UDA
- “Don’t Attack Public Infrastructure!” – IG Kanja Asks Kenyans, Issues Orders To Police
According to initial reports, a nurse examined the patient on Thursday, July 17, at 11:30 a.m. and took his blood pressure. A relative paid him a visit at 12:30pm and determined that he was stable before departing the hospital at 1:30pm.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) responded quickly, arresting a suspect who was also a hospital patient.
The suspect is suspected to be responsible for the murder of Gilbert Kinyua, 40, who was killed in Ward 7C on the night of February 6-7, this year.
The suspect is still in police custody, and detectives are still continuing their investigation.
CS Duale Announces Radical Reforms For Hospitals After KNH Visit
