Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret has moved to strengthen its internal security by adjusting visitation rules in the wake of the recent murder of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital, an incident that has triggered a countrywide review of safety in public hospitals.

In a public notice dated August 1, 2025, the hospital announced that visiting hours will be restricted to two sessions daily—between 1 pm and 2 pm, and again from 4pm to 6 pm.

The facility further noted that only two visitors will be allowed per patient at any one time, in line with a new Ministry of Health directive.

“In compliance with the Ministry of Health directive to improve safety and security, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) wishes to inform the public that effective August 1, 2025, each patient will only be allowed a maximum of two visitors at a time,” read the notice.

“Visiting Hours will be strictly: Lunch: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm and evening: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. We urge all visitors to adhere to the above guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale linked the new rules to a disturbing incident that occurred on July 11, 2025, where a patient was killed at Kenyatta National Hospital.

The event raised alarms about weak security systems in public hospitals and prompted the ministry to initiate urgent reforms.

“Following the tragic loss of a young Kenyan at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on July 11, 2025, I convened a crisis meeting with CEOs of all national referral hospitals to initiate urgent reforms and rebuild public trust in our health system,” Duale said.

The emergency meeting, held on July 28, 2025, resulted in several resolutions including mandatory screening of all hospital visitors and tighter monitoring of patient areas. Duale said all referral hospitals are now required to strictly enforce the new rules without exception.

“Effective immediately, all referral hospitals will enforce tighter security measures: a two-visitor limit per patient and mandatory screening at entry points,” Duale added.

The measures are expected to enhance the safety of patients, visitors, and staff, while restoring confidence in the public health sector, which has come under scrutiny following the KNH murders.