The Senate Committee on Health, led by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, conducted an intensive oversight tour of health facilities in Bungoma and Kakamega counties to assess service delivery, infrastructure, and resource utilisation.

Acute understaffing in various facilities was discovered by the lawmakers, warning that the shortage continues to undermine quality healthcare.

Mandago said,” We have noted shortages of staff across facilities in the country, and that is why, as a committee, we want a conversation with the unions, the SRC, and the Public Service Board to address this issue.”

He further proposed that the counties should convert UHC staff to permanent and pensionable terms, noting that resources for the transition are already available.

Bungoma Morgue Overwhelmed

In Bungoma, the Committee raised serious concern after discovering that the county morgue, which was designed to hold 20 dead bodies, is currently holding over 50.

Kakamega Facility Commended

On the contrary, Kakamega County Referral Hospital got applause for the enhanced standards and good financial performance.

The Committee noted that the facility is almost generating enough revenue to pay its own workers,” highlighting it as a model for other counties.

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Digital System Failures Noted

The members of the committee also noted that there were a lot of system failures which led to delays in services, loss of records, as well as operational inefficiencies.

“We urged County governments to fully digitalize their health records and invest in stable, efficient systems to enhance service delivery,” said Sen.Mariam.

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Teenage Pregnancies at Alarming Rate

The committee further observed alarmingly high rates of teenage pregnancies across all facilities.

“The statistics show that, out of every ten pregnant women, 8 of them are below 18 years. I am calling on the people of Bungoma and all Kenyans to take action, because if this continues, the lives of future generations will be greatly affected,” Wakoli said.

The Senate Health Committee will now prepare a detailed report with recommendations, which to be tabled in the Senate for action .

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Senate Health Committee, led by Jackson Mandago, in one of the hospitals doing an oversight function. PHOTO/PoK/FB.