Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka speaking when the Senate Health Committee paid a Courtesy Call to Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi before a tour to the County health facilities. Photo by Virginia Siebella. 
By Virginia Siebella
The Senate Committee on Health has raised alarm over serious management lapses in Machakos County’s health sector, exposing a disturbing picture of neglect, financial irregularities, and collapsing infrastructure in key medical facilities.
During an inspection tour of Athi River Level 4, Mwala Level 4, and Machakos Level 5 hospitals, senators found sub-county health facilities in near-abandonment, contrasting sharply with the relatively well-resourced Level 5 hospital.
Nominated Senator Mariam Omar painted a grim picture of worker frustration and neglect, revealing that some casual workers at Machakos Level 5 Hospital have gone up to six months without pay, while others have stagnated in the same job group for over a decade.
“Some of these staff have been in the same position since 2009. They are demoralized and frustrated, yet they continue to serve the public diligently,” Senator Omar said.
She recounted emotional scenes where some hospital workers broke down in tears during closed-door consultations with senators but declined to speak on camera for fear of victimization.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka warned that the delayed salaries could be silently fueling mental health challenges among healthcare workers.
“We must not turn our doctors and nurses into patients because of neglect. When salaries are delayed, stress builds up, and that’s how mental breakdowns start,” Onyonka cautioned.
The committee also flagged a total collapse of ICT systems, which Onyonka said had created loopholes for funds misappropriation meant for improving healthcare delivery.
In Mwala Level 4 Hospital, senators found the maternity wing operating without running water, exposing mothers and newborns to grave health risks.
Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu expressed dismay over the poor record-keeping and drug mismanagement, noting that patients are often forced to buy medicine from private pharmacies, even as stocked drugs gather dust in hospital stores.
“It is unacceptable that patients are spending money on drugs while county hospitals have unused supplies sitting in their stores,” said Senator Kavindu.
Senator Tabitha Mutinda, who chaired the oversight visit, commended the casual workers for their dedication despite the long salary delays. She urged the contractor responsible for their payment to honor his obligation, saying he had already been compensated by the county.
“These workers continue to show up every day even without pay. The least we can do is ensure they get what they deserve,” Mutinda remarked.
Mutinda also raised alarm over the use of asbestos roofing at Mwala Level 4 Hospital, describing it as a public health hazard that poses a cancer risk to both staff and patients.
“NEMA should step in immediately to educate residents on safe asbestos disposal and ensure this dangerous material is removed from public facilities,” she urged.
Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli called on the Machakos County Government to honor its contracts with casual workers, warning that widespread demotivation among young employees could paralyze service delivery.
“If the youth lose faith in the system, the entire health sector will collapse from within,” Wakoli warned.
The Senate Health Committee is expected to summon Machakos County health officials to explain the irregularities and outline a clear roadmap to restore efficiency and accountability in the county’s health services
