Govt Demands Security Audits from National Hospitals After KNH Killings

Govt Demands Security Audits from National Hospitals After KNH Killings

The government has issued a stern directive to all national referral hospitals: submit detailed security and operational audit reports within seven days. This comes in the wake of yet another brutal killing inside Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

On July 17, horror struck again when a 52-year-old disabled male patient was found murdered in Ward Seven. Eyewitnesses allege the suspect fled immediately after the incident. However, swift police action led to his arrest.

Following this chilling event, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale held a high-level meeting with CEOs of major public hospitals to address the worsening safety crisis.

“Enough is enough. Hospital CEOs must take personal responsibility for the safety of every patient and staff member,” Duale declared

The CS demanded hospital heads explain current security lapses, report any corrective measures taken, and outline immediate actions needed to safeguard lives.

“These hospitals must not just heal; they must also protect,” he emphasized.

To restore public faith in the healthcare system, Duale unveiled a raft of reforms. These include stricter enforcement of staff discipline, improved workplace culture, and development of real-time crisis communication strategies.

“We must create a working environment where patients feel safe and workers feel protected,” Duale added.

In a move expected to tighten the noose on security breaches, the Health Ministry will now collaborate with the Interior Ministry. This inter-agency approach aims to bolster rapid response and surveillance in public hospitals.

“We’re working closely with the Interior Ministry to seal all security gaps. Hospitals should never again be crime scenes,” said Duale.

KNH has become synonymous with insecurity. The latest tragedy occurred just months after another fatal stabbing in the same ward on February 6. An unidentified assailant reportedly used a kitchen knife to murder a patient.

The public is outraged. Questions about hospital safety have grown louder. Earlier this month, goons stormed Kitengela Hospital during the Saba Saba demonstrations. They disrupted surgeries, including a caesarean section.

“It’s unacceptable that lives were put at risk in the middle of a medical operation,” Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said, expressing disappointment over the lenient Ksh50,000 bail granted to the suspects.

As the nation reels from these incidents, the Ministry of Health has promised swift reforms, warning all hospitals to shape up—or face consequences.

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Govt Demands Security Audits from National Hospitals After KNH Killings