Shocking report: 50 cancer patients miss treatment daily at KNH

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A parliamentary fact-finding mission has uncovered a disturbing reality at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH): at least 50 cancer patients are missing critical radiotherapy treatment every single day.

The revelation came after the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health toured the country’s largest referral hospital and flagged equipment breakdowns, a completely idle oxygen plant, blood shortages and severe congestion in maternity wards.

Led by Seme MP Dr James Nyikal, the committee described the situation as unacceptable.

50 patients left without radiotherapy

KNH typically treats about 100 cancer patients daily. But its Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine — essential for advanced radiotherapy — is currently non-operational.
With only a cobalt machine available, the hospital is managing just 50 patients per day.

That means half of those requiring treatment are either being referred elsewhere or forced to wait.

In cancer care, delays can significantly affect outcomes.

“Some patients are missing the services they deserve,” Dr Nyikal said.

Hospital management says repairs are expected within a week. However, MPs are now pushing for funds to procure an additional LINAC to prevent future disruptions.

Oxygen plant not producing “even a litre”

Equally alarming, MPs found that KNH’s oxygen plant — funded using public resources — is not operational.

“As of now, Kenyatta does not have an oxygen plant. The plant is not producing any oxygen,” Dr Nyikal said.

The hospital currently procures oxygen externally for approximately 700 patients daily who require oxygen support.

While KNH Acting CEO Dr Richard Leyisampe assured the committee that there are no shortages, lawmakers questioned why taxpayers are continuously paying for outsourced oxygen when a permanent solution exists but is idle.

Dr Nyikal indicated the committee will investigate possible procurement and oversight failures surrounding the project.

Maternity congestion linked to deaths

The committee also raised concerns over severe congestion in maternity wards.
Expectant mothers are reportedly arriving at KNH late due to gaps in lower-level facilities, overwhelming the referral hospital.

“Because of this congestion, they come late, and when they come here, they overwhelm the system. So mothers and sometimes babies are dying because they have to wait,” Dr Nyikal said.

MPs signalled they will engage Nairobi County to address weaknesses in primary and secondary facilities.

Blood shortages and financial strain

At the blood donation unit, demand continues to outstrip supply, with the hospital relying heavily on relatives of patients.

Meanwhile, the Trauma Unit remains congested with walk-in patients, some of whom are not covered under the Social Health Insurance Fund — creating additional financial strain.

The hospital received Sh1.1 billion for refurbishment works. Level Eight renovations are complete, while Level Seven is expected to be finalised by April.

However, MPs made it clear that renovated floors cannot compensate for broken life-saving systems.