Health CS Duale Calls for Urgent Reforms in Referral Hospitals Following KNH Breach

𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 - 𝟐𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, has called for urgent reforms across Kenya’s national referral hospitals following a security breach at Kenyatta National Hospital and other emerging management failures.

Addressing CEOs at Afya House, CS Duale described the incidents as systemic failures that have eroded public trust and exposed weaknesses in governance and leadership. He emphasized that hospital CEOs carry direct responsibility for institutional safety, discipline, and operational integrity.

The CS urged immediate internal reviews of security, emergency preparedness, patient protection, and staff conduct, and requested detailed audit reports within seven days. He stressed that trust must be earned through visible leadership and continuous accountability.

Duale also raised concerns over staff misconduct and deteriorating public confidence, calling for improved discipline and professional standards. He encouraged hospitals to update their crisis communication plans to ensure timely, empathetic engagement with the public during emergencies.

To strengthen hospital security, the Ministry of Health will work with the Ministry of Interior to enhance coordination with local security agencies—while reaffirming that hospital leadership must drive these efforts.

“This is a critical moment,” he said. “Let us make our hospitals not just centres of excellence, but symbols of safety, service, and public trust.”