By IP Reporter | August 2, 2025 | Kilifi, Kenya (IP)
The Senate Committee on Health, led by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, has commended Kilifi County for strides in health service delivery—but issued stern warnings over unresolved challenges threatening patient care and system integrity.
During an oversight visit on Saturday to Mtwapa Health Centre Level 4 and Kilifi County Referral Hospital, lawmakers applauded the county government’s recruitment of over 209 health workers and investments in health infrastructure under Governor Gedion Mung’aro’s administration.
“These developments represent a job well done and are a step in the right direction toward equitable healthcare for all residents,” said Sen. Wakoli, pointing to new outpatient wings that have helped decongest facilities and improve patient experience.
But behind the scenes of brick-and-mortar improvements, the committee uncovered troubling operational bottlenecks—chief among them, delays in the disbursement of funds under the Social Health Authority (SHA) program.
“As the Senate, we will engage the Ministry of Health and SHA management to ensure that timely and consistent funding to the counties is prioritized,” Wakoli assured, noting that the funding gaps have crippled procurement, stalled essential services, and led to unpaid bills.
The lawmakers were also alarmed by critical human resource issues arising as many facilities, they observed, are run by dedicated nurses and trainees—but lack senior medical personnel essential for clinical oversight and leadership.
The absence of medical specialists wasn’t the only red flag. The committee flagged cases of staff absenteeism without documentation, weak internal leadership, and even expired medicines being stored in facility pharmacies.
“Health workers who neglect their responsibilities must face appropriate disciplinary action to safeguard the integrity of the healthcare system,” Wakoli emphasized.
The oversight visit is part of the Senate’s broader initiative to assess how counties are implementing health reforms and delivering on the promise of universal health coverage.
The Committee will now retreat to draft a comprehensive report with formal recommendations to be tabled before the Senate in coming weeks.
For updates on this and other Senate health oversight missions, visit www.intellectualspost.co.ke
