Kitui Senator blames County Government’s failures over deplorable health facilities particularly Kitui Referral Hospital
Wambua also raises concerns over the recently advertised vacancies over skewed recruitment processes without following laid down human resource procedures
Kitui: Kitui Senator and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Enoch Wambua has ignited fresh debate over the state of healthcare in Kitui county after he uncovered disturbing conditions during a surprise night visit to Kitui County Referral Hospital.
In his Facebook account on Saturday 1st August, after touring the facility on Friday 31st August at night, Wambua said he was left “deeply heartbroken” by what he witnessed in the wards and corridors, saying patients and healthcare workers painted a grim picture of the challenges facing the county’s biggest public hospital.
Among his most shocking revelations was that at least four mothers with their newborn babies were sharing a single bed in the maternity ward due to congestion.
The senator further stated that hospital beds and bedding were in poor condition, describing them as worn out and of extremely low quality despite the facility serving as the county’s main referral hospital.
He additionally disclosed that several patients admitted to the accident ward had been left unattended, blaming the situation on inadequate staffing, persistent drug shortages and overcrowding.
Wambua raised concerns over the recruitment of healthcare workers, alleging that although the Kitui County Public Service Board advertised vacancies for medical personnel, no shortlist had been released publicly.
He further claimed he had received information that some candidates were instead being invited for interviews secretly.
The outspoken lawmaker insisted his remarks should not be viewed as political attacks, arguing that while some challenges may be linked to national government policies, healthcare is a fully devolved function that falls under county governments.
“If healthcare in Kitui County is working, it is the patients and residents of Kitui County who shall confirm this. I do not expect the Governor or the County Executive to wake up with a lot of noise trying to tell our people that healthcare is working,” Wambua said.
Declaring that the county was facing a healthcare crisis, the senator urged the Kitui County Government to move with speed to restore services, improve staffing levels and ensure patients receive dignified treatment.