CS Aden Duale Orders Probe into Child’s Death at KNH Over Medical Negligence Claims

By: Ogonyo Centrine 

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has directed an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the death of a child at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), following serious allegations of medical negligence made by the bereaved mother.

The child, who has not been named publicly, was admitted to KNH after being involved in a car accident. However, according to the mother, Susan Wanjira, her son passed away under circumstances that raise troubling questions about the quality of care he received at the country’s top referral hospital.

Wanjira has come forward with claims suggesting her son may have been a victim of neglect or possible medical malpractice. She expressed concern over delays in treatment and what she describes as a lack of adequate attention from medical staff during the boy’s stay at the facility.

Her account has sparked anger and renewed scrutiny over patient care at public health institutions.

In response, CS Duale has ordered the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to conduct an independent and thorough inquiry into the matter. The Council has been asked to establish the exact circumstances that led to the child’s death, assess whether any standard medical protocols were violated, and determine whether there was any negligence of duty by healthcare workers involved in the case.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Duale emphasized that the government would not tolerate negligence in public hospitals, especially where it leads to preventable deaths.

“The death of a child is an unimaginable tragedy for any parent,” he said. “We have a duty to uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served—not just for this family, but for all Kenyans who rely on our health facilities.”

The investigation is expected to cover a wide scope, including the initial emergency response upon the child’s arrival, the treatment plan followed by doctors, any delays encountered, and the conduct of KNH staff throughout the period the child was under their care. The Ministry has pledged full transparency in the process and promised to release the findings of the probe to the public once completed.

CS Duale also noted that the incident highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms in the public health sector.

“This tragic case must serve as a wake-up call. We must treat patient complaints with the seriousness they deserve. There can be no compromise on patient safety,” he said.

Kenyatta National Hospital has long been under pressure to improve service delivery amid frequent complaints of overcrowding, long wait times, and inadequate staff-to-patient ratios. This latest incident adds to growing public frustration and concern about the state of Kenya’s healthcare system.

While KNH has yet to issue a detailed statement on the matter, the hospital has indicated it will cooperate fully with the investigation. Meanwhile, the family of the deceased child continues to demand answers and justice, saying they hope the inquiry will lead to meaningful action and reforms.

As the probe gets underway, many Kenyans are watching closely, with the case becoming a symbol of broader challenges in public healthcare. The Ministry of Health has vowed to take appropriate disciplinary measures if any wrongdoing is uncovered, signaling a possible shift toward stricter enforcement of professional standards in the sector.