NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health has launched a probe into a Sh453 million oxygen plant at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) that has never become operational, forcing the facility to spend about Sh600 million annually on externally sourced oxygen.
The committee, led by Seme MP James Nyikal, raised concerns during a fact-finding visit to the hospital.
“This oxygen plant is actually a major issue. It is not operational. It is not functional, and it is not producing any oxygen. The truth is, KNH does not have an oxygen plant,” Nyikal said.
Plant Failed to Meet Specifications
KNH medical engineer Patrick Chepkonga told MPs the plant supplied did not meet the original design and technical specifications. The facility was expected to produce 8,000 litres of oxygen per minute, but generated only 3,000 litres during testing.
He added that oxygen purity levels also failed to meet required standards, preventing commissioning.
“Although KNH developed the required design, the equipment delivered differed from what had been specified,” Chepkonga said, noting that the discrepancy was discovered at the handover stage, which never took place.
Lawmakers questioned why the fault was not identified earlier and whether proper supervision occurred during installation. Committee vice-chair Patrick Munene sought details on action taken after the anomaly was detected, while Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge pressed for clarification on payments already made to the contractor. Chepkonga confirmed that a substantial amount had been disbursed.
Nyikal said the committee will pursue accountability with the Ministry of Health, Kenya, and other government agencies.
“What was designed and what was awarded was different, even in procurement and payment processes. Those responsible must be held accountable,” he said.
Oxygen Demand and Cancer Treatment Crisis
Despite the stalled plant, KNH CEO Dr Richard Leyisampe said the hospital continues to serve about 700 patients daily who require oxygen.
“We are procuring that oxygen for our patients. Occasionally, we also get oxygen from our sister institutions such as Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital and Mwai Kibaki Hospital,” he said.
MPs also raised an alarm over cancer treatment services. One radiotherapy machine has been out of service for 60 days. A Linear Accelerator (LINAC), allocated Sh450 million in the 2023/24 financial year and Sh600 million in the current budget, has yet to be procured.
Previously, the LINAC enabled treatment of about 100 patients daily. With it out of service, only 50 patients are being treated using an alternative device, with others referred elsewhere.
Maternity Ward Overcrowding
The committee further cited severe congestion in the maternity wing. A unit designed for 30 to 40 beds is now accommodating over 90 patients, largely due to the ongoing Nairobi County health workers’ strike. Weekly deliveries have surged from about 200 to more than 400.
Nyikal said the committee will push for urgent corrective measures to restore essential services and protect patient care at the country’s largest referral hospital.
