The Margaret Kenyatta Maternity and Child Hospital in Nakuru faces severe overcrowding, with up to four mothers and their children sharing a single bed. Located within the Nakuru Level Five Referral Hospital, the facility exceeds its 250-patient capacity. Health officials confirm the issue stems from high demand from Nakuru and neighboring counties.
The Margaret Kenyatta Maternity and Child Hospital, Kenya's second-largest facility after Pumwani in Nairobi, grapples with significant overcrowding challenges. An investigation revealed that maternity wards lack sufficient beds, compelling pregnant women or new mothers to share accommodations or sleep on the floor. This situation exposes patients to infection risks.
One mother, using the pseudonym Velyn, recounted sharing a bed with three others during her stay. “We take turns sleeping. Sometimes four people share one bed, and others sleep on the floor. You use your own clothes for comfort because there aren't enough sheets,” she said. She added, “Sometimes we stay awake all night so our children can sleep.”
An anonymous nurse explained that the influx of pregnant women has surged recently. “We have no choice but to place mothers together. We can't turn away those arriving to give birth,” the nurse stated.
Residents and civil society activists urge the county government to implement urgent improvements to mitigate dangers. On Monday evening, Nakuru County Health Minister Roselyn Mungai noted, “As a referral hospital serving Nakuru and over six neighboring counties, demand pressure sometimes intensifies.” Other mothers complained, “The situation is completely unsatisfactory.”
The problem has persisted for some time without emergency measures taken.
