Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya’s largest referral hospital, is sinking into filth, cracked walls, and flooded washrooms.
Patients are sounding the alarm over the deplorable conditions at KNH, especially in the maternity wards.
A shocking video shared by a patient has exposed the grim reality, showing blocked toilets, stagnant water, and missing sanitary bins.
Instead of offering healing, the hospital is now a breeding ground for disease. Mothers and newborns face daily risks in an environment that should protect them.
Deplorable Conditions at KNH Raise Health and Safety Concerns
A viral video filmed inside the Kenyatta National Hospital maternity unit has revealed horrifying scenes that no patient should endure. The footage shows flooded bathroom floors from blocked toilets, crumbling walls with peeling paint, and no sanitary bins for proper disposal of sanitary products.
Women in labor and new mothers are forced to navigate these filthy conditions, walking through stagnant water just to access malfunctioning toilets.
The hospital, entrusted with safeguarding the lives of mothers and babies, has become a hazard instead. Instead of a safe, clean space for childbirth and recovery, the maternity ward is a nightmare.
Patients report being forced to dispose of used sanitary towels in cracks behind the wall because there are no bins. This unsanitary practice raises the risk of infections and disease spread.
Shockingly, the bathrooms lack basic safety features like support bars to help pregnant women and new mothers avoid slipping. This oversight increases the chances of falls and injuries.
Every trip to the washroom is a dangerous gamble, especially for women already physically vulnerable after childbirth.
All this is happening despite Kenyatta National Hospital receiving a Repair and Maintenance budget of Ksh447 million in 2023.
The glaring gap between budget allocation and the reality on the ground raises tough questions about accountability. Where is the money going? Why are basic maintenance and sanitation still neglected?
Public outrage has been swift and loud. Kenyans online are calling for urgent action from the Ministry of Health, led by Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Many are demanding that the hospital’s CEO, Evans Kamuri, explain how such conditions persist under his leadership. The public wants answers and solutions, not excuses.
Mothers and Babies Face Daily Risks
For the women relying on KNH for maternity care, every day brings new risks. The unsanitary environment is a ticking time bomb for infections.
Mothers recovering from delivery must return from wading through dirty water to care for their newborns, exposing fragile babies to harmful bacteria.
Patients describe feeling trapped. “We have no choice,” one new mother shared. “We came here to give birth because we couldn’t afford private care. But now we fear leaving here sicker than we came.”
The lack of sanitary bins forces women to hide used products in wall crevices. This not only worsens hygiene but creates an unbearable smell, making the already harsh conditions even more dehumanizing.
The hospital’s failure to provide even the most basic sanitary provisions shows neglect at its worst. Doctors and nurses working in these conditions also struggle to deliver quality care.
Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and broken infrastructure limit their ability to prevent infections and maintain safety. “We are doing our best, but the system is broken,” a hospital staff member anonymously admitted.
Calls for Accountability and Urgent Action
The Ministry of Health must step up and address this crisis immediately. Public health experts warn that such poor hygiene increases the risk of maternal and neonatal infections, putting lives at stake.
“Clean facilities are non-negotiable for maternal health,” a Nairobi-based obstetrician explained. “We risk reversing gains in reducing maternal and infant mortality if we ignore these conditions.”
Despite receiving hundreds of millions for repairs, the hospital’s infrastructure remains in shambles. The government must investigate how these funds were used. An independent audit could reveal whether mismanagement or corruption is to blame for the deteriorating facilities.
Kenyans are also calling for the resignation of top hospital leadership if they cannot fix these issues swiftly. “If they cannot maintain basic hygiene, they should step aside for leaders who can,” one social media user posted.
Kenyatta National Hospital serves thousands of Kenyans every day. Its maternity wards should be a place of safety and healing. Instead, they have become a symbol of neglect and systemic failure.
The viral video has lifted the lid on conditions many have suffered in silence. It is time for action, not just talk. The government must prioritize restoring dignity and safety to this critical hospital. Mothers and babies deserve better.
