MPs Raise Alarm Over Non-Functional Oxygen Plant and Cancer Equipment at KNH

The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health has raised serious concerns over critical service gaps at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), following a fact-finding visit to the country’s largest referral facility.

Led by Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal, the committee toured key departments at KNH and acknowledged ongoing improvements. However, MPs warned that congestion, equipment breakdowns, and a non-functional oxygen plant are straining services and putting patients at risk.

“This oxygen plant is a major issue. It is not operational and not producing even a litre of oxygen a day,” Dr. Nyikal said. “The truth is, as of now, Kenyatta does not have a working oxygen plant.” He noted that public funds had already been spent on the project and promised that the committee would investigate what went wrong, from procurement to supervision and payment.

Dr. Nyikal also highlighted the high costs of buying oxygen externally, saying a working plant could serve KNH and other health facilities.

Acting KNH CEO Dr. Richard Leyisampe told MPs that the hospital serves about 700 patients daily who need oxygen. He said KNH procures oxygen from other institutions like Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, ensuring no current shortages. However, he emphasized the need for KNH to have its own reliable oxygen supply.

The committee also raised concerns over disruptions in cancer care after the hospital’s Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine broke down. The LINAC, used for advanced radiotherapy, is currently out of service, forcing KNH to rely on a cobalt machine.

“Some patients are missing the services they deserve,” Dr. Nyikal said. He added that hospital management has assured the committee the LINAC would be repaired within a week. The committee is also exploring funds for an additional machine. Dr. Leyisampe said the hospital normally treats 100 cancer patients daily, but with the LINAC out of service, only 50 are being treated, with some referred to Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Beyond equipment issues, MPs flagged severe congestion in maternity wards, attributing it to dysfunction in lower-level health facilities. Dr. Nyikal said expectant mothers are arriving late at KNH, overwhelming the system and contributing to avoidable maternal and neonatal deaths. The committee plans to engage Nairobi County Government to address gaps in primary and secondary facilities.

At the hospital’s blood donation unit, MPs found demand far exceeds supply. The hospital currently relies on relatives of patients to donate blood. Dr. Nyikal said the committee plans to provide financial support to boost public blood donation drives.

The committee also visited the Accident and Emergency Department, now known as the Trauma Unit. While improvements were noted, congestion persists, largely due to walk-in patients from Nairobi who could be treated at primary care facilities. Dr. Nyikal said the hospital should create a dedicated unit for patients under the Primary Care Fund and strengthen access to the Emergency and Critical Care Fund.

Despite the challenges, MPs commended KNH management for prudent use of funds allocated for renovations. The hospital received Sh1.1 billion for refurbishing key floors. Renovations on Level Eight have been completed satisfactorily, and work on Level Seven is ongoing, expected to finish by April.

“We must say we are happy with what they have done. If they complete the remaining works as scheduled, the money we gave them has been well used,” Dr. Nyikal concluded.