The Senate Committee on Health Vice Chairperson Senator Omar Mariam Sheikh addressing the press at Machakos Level 5 hospital on October 24, 2025./GEORGE OWITI
The Senate Committee on Health has lauded Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration for the progress made in improving healthcare services for Machakos residents.
Led by Vice Chairperson Senator Omar Mariam Sheikh, the committee said the Machakos County Government was performing well in health service delivery despite a few challenges.
The senators, including Sheikh, Richard Onyonka (Kisii), Wafula Wakoli (Bungoma), Joseph Kamau (Lamu), nominated senators Tabitha Mutinda and Hamida Kibwana, and Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, toured Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Athi River Level 4 Hospital, and Mwala Level 4 Hospital on Friday.
Speaking to the press at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Senator Omar commended the county for its commitment but urged continued focus on all facilities across the county.
“I urge the governor, leadership, and other departments to be keen on all hospitals beyond the referral facility. The situation is generally okay, though staffing remains an issue,” she said, adding that health workers should be promoted as required by law to boost motivation.
Senator Kamau acknowledged that the renal unit at Machakos Level 5 Hospital was well maintained and serving patients effectively but reiterated concerns about understaffing.
“We noted that Machakos Level 5 Hospital is understaffed. I call on the governor and her team to employ the required number of staff so that residents can receive quality services,” Kamau said.
Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda said most medical equipment at Machakos Level 5 Hospital was functional but urged better drug management.
“All machinery is operational, but there’s an issue with drug records. We urge the county to ensure proper inventory systems are in place,” Mutinda said.
She added that nurses should not send patients to buy medication outside public hospitals, noting that there were adequate drug supplies according to the pharmacist in charge.
Despite the shortage of nurses, Mutinda commended them for their dedication and cooperation across the facilities.
She also raised concerns over asbestos roofing at Mwala Level 4 Hospital, calling on the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to assist in safe disposal.
“The asbestos roofing should be removed. Some residents collect rainwater from those roofs, exposing themselves to cancer risks,” she warned.
Senator Hamida Kibwana highlighted the need for a reliable water supply, especially in maternity wards.
“You find there is no water in maternity. Women are given cold water in a trough after delivery. It’s worrying,” she said.
Kibwana, however, praised the county government for establishing a functional mental health unit with qualified psychiatrists at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, noting that patients’ dignity was being upheld.
Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu urged hospital administrators to stop directing patients to private chemists for medicine, insisting that drugs available in stores should be issued to patients.
“Let patients be treated and given drugs so that they recover and return home,” Kavindu said.
Senator Onyonka commended the county for installing modern medical equipment and facilities.
“I must appreciate that this place has facilities not found elsewhere in the country. The incinerator and the process for destroying toxic materials are top-notch. We have also seen where assistive tools for persons with disabilities are made—something unique nationally,” Onyonka said, urging continued staff motivation.
