A security overhaul at Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital has ended theft, vandalism and other challenges that had plagued the facility for years, with management saying the changes have saved millions of shillings and improved protection of medicines, medical equipment and patients.
The reforms followed a decision by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mahat Salah, to partner with the National Youth Service (NYS) in a move aimed at strengthening security within the county’s main referral hospital.
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding after discussions with the NYS Director General, leading to the deployment of NYS officers to guard the hospital’s main gates and other entry points.
The NYS personnel now work alongside Administration Police (AP) officers under the command of an inspector to provide security across the compound. The hospital has also installed a 24‑hour closed‑circuit television surveillance system that monitors key areas, eliminating blind spots previously exploited by criminals.
Hospital management says the new arrangement has stopped the theft of medicines, medical equipment, hospital vehicles and other supplies that had caused financial losses and disrupted services. Cases of vandalism and petty theft that had become common at the facility have also been eliminated.
Speaking about the reforms, Mahat said improving security was necessary to protect both public resources and the people who depend on the hospital for treatment.
"A hospital exists to save lives, and that starts with protecting the people, medicines and equipment entrusted to us. Strengthening security has safeguarded public resources and created a safe environment where our staff can focus on delivering quality healthcare," said Mahat.
Hospital management says the changes have also reduced expenditure after ending the use of private security firms whose services were considered inadequate. The savings are now being redirected to other priority areas within the facility.
According to the hospital, money previously lost through theft or spent replacing stolen supplies is now being invested in improving services. Funds are being used to upgrade infrastructure, purchase medical equipment and strengthen patient care as the hospital expands its capacity.
The success of the security model has attracted interest from other county referral hospitals seeking to improve their own systems. Officials said several county delegations have already visited Garissa to study the framework before implementing similar arrangements.
Among the hospitals that have conducted benchmarking visits are Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Kilifi County Referral Hospital, Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital and Thika Level 5 Hospital.
The visiting teams reviewed the security framework, including deployment of NYS officers, collaboration with AP officers and use of surveillance cameras to monitor activities within the hospital.
County officials say the improved security has created a safer working environment for health workers while also giving patients and visitors greater confidence when seeking services.
They say the reforms have ensured that medicines and medical equipment remain available for their intended use instead of being lost through theft.
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