As Kenya intensifies discussions on preparedness against the threat of Ebola and other public health emergencies, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua has raised concerns over the state of healthcare facilities in his county, revealing that patients in several public hospitals are being forced to share beds due to overcrowding.

Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Wambua said it was troubling that while the country is focused on containing potential Ebola outbreaks, basic healthcare challenges continue to plague local hospitals

“At a time when the country is discussing serious issues and the world is discussing issues about the Ebola outbreak, this House should take note that several public hospitals in Kitui, if not all of them, patients are sharing beds,” the senator stated.

A call to county government

The lawmaker called on the Kitui County government to take immediate and urgent action to address congestion in hospital wards, warning that overcrowding poses serious health risks to patients and could complicate the management of infectious diseases.

Wambua urged county authorities to explore temporary solutions to increase hospital capacity, including the use of tents and the conversion of public halls into additional wards.

“I want to call upon the County Government of Kitui to put in place immediate and urgent measures to decongest the wards and to ensure that solutions are found, even if it means using tents or converting halls into wards,” he added.

Overcrowding in hospitals has long been a challenge in many parts of Kenya, often resulting in patients sharing beds, delayed treatment, and increased risk of hospital-acquired infections. Health stakeholders have repeatedly called for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and staffing to improve service delivery.