Senators have raised the alarm over the deteriorating state of medical equipment and infrastructure in Laikipia County following an oversight tour conducted on Wednesday, June 19, 2025.

The Senate Standing Committee on Health toured various healthcare facilities across the county to assess service delivery, infrastructure capabilities, and the condition of medical equipment.

In a statement, the committee noted that the inspection focused on key installations in Nyahururu, Nanyuki, and surrounding areas.

Lawmakers were able to observe the state of healthcare services and engage directly with county officials and medical staff.

The visit began with a courtesy meeting with Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, where the county leadership highlighted the growing pressure on local health facilities.

According to the governor, Laikipia’s healthcare system serves not just local residents but also thousands of patients from at least seven neighboring counties overstretching already limited resources.

Governor Irungu underscored the urgent need to expand health infrastructure, modernize equipment, and increase personnel to meet rising demands.

At the Nyahururu County Referral Hospital, the senators inspected vital departments such as the ICU, NICU, maternity wing, pediatric and burns units, pharmacy, medical records, and the hospital incinerator.

They also reviewed the condition of critical equipment including dialysis machines and surgical theatres and monitored patient care operations.

Despite the resource challenges, the team noted commendable levels of cleanliness and order within the facility.

The committee also visited Shalom Makutano Dispensary to evaluate how smaller health centers manage patient overflow.

The team found serious infrastructural limitations, outdated diagnostic devices, and a shortage of staff, all of which hindered effective service delivery.

While the senators commended Laikipia for maintaining high hygiene standards across its healthcare facilities, they highlighted several systemic challenges.

These included aging infrastructure, poor disposal systems for expired medications, a lack of digital pharmaceutical records, and limited adoption of electronic health systems.

The committee further noted that the influx of patients from neighboring counties continues to overwhelm Laikipia’s health services, worsening the strain on available resources.

The senators called for urgent government intervention, recommending investment in infrastructure upgrades, better drug supply systems, increased staffing, and the acquisition of modern medical equipment.

The oversight mission was led by Committee Vice Chairperson Senator Mariam Omar Sheikh and included Senators Richard Onyonka, Joseph Githuku, Tabitha Mutinda, and Hamida Kibwana.