The Board of Management at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital has strongly dismissed allegations by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino that mothers are giving birth on the floor and that the facility is in a deplorable state.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 20 and signed by Board Member Dorcas Kemunto W., the Board termed the claims “misleading, inaccurate and unfair,” saying they undermine the dedication of healthcare workers who serve thousands of residents daily .
“We strongly condemn these allegations in the clearest and most unequivocal terms. The claims are misleading, inaccurate and unfairly portray this facility as incapable of delivering safe and dignified care,” said Kemunto.
She added: “Such statements not only misinform the public but also undermine the commitment of our healthcare professionals who serve over 2,000 patients every single day.”
According to the Board, the hospital attends to more than 2,000 patients daily, making it one of the busiest public health facilities in the country. Its maternity wing conducts over 30 safe deliveries each day.
“We categorically state that mothers are not giving birth on the floor under the current administration,” Kemunto said.
The facility also handles between 15 and 25 surgical procedures daily, reflecting expanded clinical and life-saving capacity
Kemunto further pointed to reforms undertaken since Governor Johnson Sakaja assumed office, including the transition to a CEO-led management model under Dr Fredrick Obwanda.
“These reforms have strengthened governance, improved staff morale and ensured timely payment of personnel, all of which directly contribute to improved patient outcomes,” she said .
Among key improvements highlighted are a well-stocked pharmacy, a fully functional Social Health Authority (SHA) system supported by help desks, modern diagnostic and laboratory equipment, a fully operational blood bank, and functional PICU and NICU units that have reduced referrals to Kenyatta National Hospital .
“We urge leaders to refrain from politicising critical health matters. Public health institutions must not be used as platforms for political contestation, particularly where statements risk creating unnecessary panic and eroding public trust,” Kemunto stated.
She called on MP Babu Owino to withdraw his remarks and issue a public apology to the hospital administration, staff and patients.
“Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital remains firmly committed to providing quality, safe and dignified healthcare to all,” she said .
The Board reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to delivering quality, safe and dignified healthcare to Nairobi residents.
