This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko suspended top officials at Pumwani Maternity Hospital after an impromptu visit on March 3, 2018, where he discovered 12 bodies of infants hidden in boxes.
Published on July 15, 2019, the visit was prompted by a mother who lost her babies at the facility contacting Sonko's office to report alleged cases of negligence at the maternity hospital.
During the visit, Sonko found expectant mothers waiting to get prenatal care with some writhing in pain after having not been attended to for several hours.
He also discovered that there was a shortage of 50 nurses at Pumwani hospital alone, prompting him to respond, 'My administration will address the problem by hiring 80 nurses for Nairobi County hospitals.'
Sonko has ordered immediate investigations and subsequent disciplinary action be taken against the hospital staff, and the suspended officials have been ordered to show cause why disciplinary action should not be preferred against them within 14 days.
The Governor has also constituted a caretaker Board to be chaired by Ms. Ann Waceke who will oversee the management in the meantime, and Dr. Simon Mueke has been appointed as the new medical superintendent of Pumwani Hospital.
