Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a series of safety and security reforms targeting all hospitals in the country after convening a crisis meeting with facility bosses.

Duale stated that the measures follow the death of a patient at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on July 11, 2025, an incident that exposed gaps in patient safety and hospital security systems.

“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,” Duale said.

Duale said the reforms, unveiled after a crisis meeting with CEOs of national referral hospitals on Monday, July 28, 2025, will focus on enforcing tighter security protocols, improving quality assurance systems, and ensuring accountability in the management of patients.

He added that, effective immediately, referral hospitals will implement a two-visitor limit per patient and mandatory screening at all entry points to enhance security.

“Effective immediately, all referral hospitals will enforce tighter security measures: a two-visitor limit per patient and mandatory screening at entry points.” Duale said.

Duale further stated that the nationwide quality assurance protocol will include regular patient safety rounds, stronger complaint escalation systems, anonymous feedback tools, and continuous staff training on patient rights and safety.

 He emphasised that decisive action will be taken in instances where negligence is detected.

Collaboration with Interior Ministry

Duale explained that hospitals will also collaborate with the Ministry of Interior and community leaders to trace families of abandoned patients, support dignified discharges, and ensure that vulnerable individuals are placed in appropriate care.

He expressed confidence that these measures will restore public confidence in the healthcare system and prevent a recurrence of similar tragedies.

“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. We must protect patient dignity and ensure such a tragedy never recurs.” He added.

Duale made the announcements during a press briefing attended by Medical Services PS Dr Ouma Oluga and CEOs of key national referral hospitals, including Dr William Sigilai (KNH), Dr Richard Lesiyampe (JOOTRH), Dr Zainab Gura (KUTRRH), Dr Peter Muiruri (MKTRH), Dr Nderi Lawrence (MNTRH), Dr Philip Kirwa (MTRH), and Dr Shikuku Kibet (SITRH).