Senators on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, decried the use of outdated and dilapidated medical infrastructure in Laikipia County.

The Senate Standing Committee on Health had carried out an inspection tour of healthcare facilities in Laikipia County to evaluate service delivery, infrastructure capacity, and the operational condition of medical equipment.

“The tour focused on major installations in Nyahururu, Nanyuki, and their environs, where senators observed firsthand the state of health services and engaged with county authorities and healthcare providers,” the committee said in a statement.

Influx of patients

“The committee commenced its visit with a courtesy call on Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu. During the meeting, the county administration outlined the challenges faced in managing a health system that serves not only local residents but also thousands of patients from seven neighbouring counties,” the senators indicated.

“This regional demand places an increasing burden on existing facilities, many of which are operating beyond their intended capacity. The governor emphasised the need for expanded infrastructure, updated equipment, and increased staffing to sustain the county’s growing healthcare responsibilities.”

At the Nyahururu County Referral Hospital, the senators inspected critical departments, including the intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal unit (NICU), maternity wing, pediatric and burns units, pharmacy, records department, and the incinerator.

They examined the status of essential equipment such as dialysis machines and operating theatres, and observed patient care processes across the facility.

Outdated diagnostic tools

The legislators reported commendable efforts in maintaining hygiene and order, despite operating under constrained resources.

The health committee also visited Shalom Makutano Dispensary, where they assessed the ability of smaller health centres to cope with high patient volumes. Here, the team encountered infrastructural limitations, outdated diagnostic tools, and a pressing need for more personnel to meet growing demand.

“While the committee acknowledged Laikipia’s success in upholding hygiene standards across its facilities, it identified several gaps that hinder optimal service delivery. Among the concerns were the state of worn-out infrastructure, inadequate waste disposal mechanisms for expired drugs, lack of digitised pharmaceutical records and the limited use of digital health records,” the committee observed.

Additionally, the senators noted that the high patient influx from surrounding counties further exacerbates these issues, creating pressure on the existing system.

The senators recommended urgent investments in infrastructure expansion, improvement of drug supply chains, deployment of additional health workers, and modernisation of equipment.

The oversight tour was led by the committee Vice Chairperson Senator Mariam Omar Sheikh and included Senator Richard Onyonka, Senator Joseph Githuku, Senator Tabitha Mutinda, and Senator Hamida Kibwana.