Mixed findings as Kirinyaga MCAs tour health facilities

Kirinyaga MCAs led by nominated MCA Bosco Gichangi at Kimbimbi Level 4 Hospital on February 11, 2026 /ALICE WAITHERA

Residents of Mwea have raised concerns over services at Kimbimbi Level 4 Hospital following an unannounced visit by Kirinyaga County Assembly’s health committee.

The oversight tour, led by committee chairperson Bosco Gichangi, highlighted operational and infrastructure gaps that residents say are affecting healthcare delivery.

“What we have witnessed here is not commensurate with the level of funding allocated to the health department,” he said.

A key concern was severe understaffing in the hospital’s security department. MCAs noted that the limited number of guards has made it difficult to regulate movement within the compound, raising fears over patient safety and the security of hospital property.

The dental unit was also found to be poorly equipped, handling only basic tooth extractions due to a lack of functional equipment. It cannot perform dental surgeries or other specialised procedures, forcing patients to seek advanced care at private facilities.

In the pharmacy, legislators discovered the absence of a computerised inventory system. They warned that reliance on manual records exposes the hospital to frequent stock-outs and possible loss of pharmaceutical supplies.

Residents have repeatedly complained about being referred to private chemists to buy medication despite being registered under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHA).

“We are forced to buy drugs outside, yet we are fully registered under SHA. That defeats the purpose of universal healthcare,” a resident said during the visit.

The hospital is also facing a shortage of specialised personnel, including a resident radiologist. Patients requiring imaging services must rely on private centres, increasing the cost of treatment.

Sanitation and infrastructure were found wanting. Several toilets were non-functional, and overall cleanliness in parts of the facility fell below public health standards. Members observed minimal evidence of recent cleaning in some sections.

Patients also reported slow and bureaucratic treatment processes. One resident said they arrived early in the morning but waited until noon to be attended to because only one blood pressure machine was working.

The concerns come despite the county health department receiving over Sh2 billion in recurrent and development funding this financial year, making it the highest-funded department in Kirinyaga.

They also follow the approval of the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF) Bill, which allows health facilities to directly use funds they generate to improve services.

In contrast, the committee expressed satisfaction following a separate visit to the renal unit at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital.

The tour assessed renal services, where members found five functional dialysis machines serving an average of 12 patients daily. The unit operates with six staff members but requires 16 more to provide round-the-clock services amid rising chronic illness cases.

“The progress here is commendable, although staffing and equipment must be expanded to match the growing demand,” Gichangi said.

Unlike Kimbimbi, the renal unit demonstrated strong record-keeping practices, with patient files well organised and consistently updated. The pharmacy uses an automated system providing real-time stock data, reducing the likelihood of shortages.

The committee also praised the cleanliness and organisation of the hospital’s kitchen and laundry departments. They urged management to strengthen documentation when transferring supplies, particularly medicines, within and outside the facility. Gichangi encouraged procurement of food supplies from local traders to stimulate economic opportunities for residents.

Public concerns had been raised last year about the renal unit, with patients reporting that most dialysis machines were broken. The latest inspection showed marked improvement.

A detailed report on both visits is expected to be tabled before the county assembly in the coming weeks to inform debate and guide policy measures aimed at improving healthcare standards across Kirinyaga County.