Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a new government plan to end the long-standing problem of patients sleeping on hospital floors through an upcoming health reform law.

Speaking during the inaugural graduation ceremony of the M.P. Shah College of Health Sciences on Friday, October 31, 2025, Duale said the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025, will introduce a Bed Capacity Access Rule that guarantees dignity for all patients.

“The Bill’s Bed Capacity Access Rule guarantees patient dignity by ensuring that no Kenyan is ever forced to sleep on a hospital floor,” Duale said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a people-centred healthcare system, saying that the upcoming reforms aim to protect patients, strengthen accountability, and ensure better working conditions for health professionals.

Duale noted that the new Bill will work hand-in-hand with digital reforms being implemented under the Digital Superhighway Initiative, which seeks to improve efficiency and transparency in the health sector.

“I highlighted other ongoing reforms driven by the Digital Superhighway to enhance accountability within the health sector by identifying unqualified practitioners and curbing fraud in the Social Health Authority (SHA),” he added.

Also watch: Duale says SHA will cover foreign nationals living in Kenya.

Newborn deaths

The CS also expressed deep concern over the rising number of maternal and newborn deaths across the country, directing a nationwide survey to establish accurate data and ensure every such case is investigated.

“Concerned by the rising cases of maternal and newborn deaths, I directed a nationwide survey to establish accurate data and ensure every such case is reported, audited and addressed, because beyond the numbers, our mission is to save lives and uphold dignity in care,” he said.

The ceremony ended on a symbolic note as the graduating nurses took the Nightingale Pledge during the Candle Lighting session, a moment Duale described as a powerful reminder of compassion, service, and dedication to humanity.

“The ceremony concluded with the Nurses’ Oath and Candle Lighting, where the graduands recited the Nightingale Pledge, a solemn reminder of compassion, service and lifelong dedication to humanity,” he said.