Budget cuts threaten Defence Forces Memorial Hospital services, MPs told
Many of the hospital’s wards, built in the 1970s, are in dire need of modernisation to meet current medical standards.
The Defence Forces Memorial Hospital (DFMH) in Nairobi is facing significant challenges, including outdated infrastructure and limited resources, according to MPs who visited the facility on Thursday.
Led by Vice Chair MP Maj. (Rtd) Bashir Abdullahi, the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations toured the hospital, which serves members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and their families.
More To Read
- KDF holds requiem mass for General Ogolla and nine soldiers killed in helicopter crash
- Ruto calls for responsible military discourse, reaffirms KDF's role in national stability
- MPs fault KDF for neglecting security as cross-border threats escalate
- Eldoret Sports Club to host 2025 Athletics Kenya Cross Country Championships
- Young Chepng’etich smashes national triple jump record in the USA
- Kenya Army receives newly refurbished Z9 choppers from Chinese firm
The hospital also plays a key role in training medical personnel through its affiliation with the Defence Forces College of Health Sciences.
During the visit, MPs were briefed by the hospital's leadership, including Commandant Brig. J.M. Khaoya and Chief Medical Officer Brig. Dr. C.M. Kingori.
They highlighted that many of the hospital’s wards, built in the 1970s, are in dire need of modernisation to meet current medical standards.
“The hospital’s wards were built in the 1970s. They need to be updated to meet modern standards for clinical support,” Brig. Khaoya explained.
Additionally, Brig. Dr. Kingori noted that space limitations have forced some wards to be converted into classrooms and staff quarters.
“Several wards have been repurposed into classrooms and quarters due to space limitations, leaving critical gaps in patient care infrastructure,” he said.
The MPs were also informed that budget cuts have led to delays in the procurement of essential medical equipment.
Brig. Khaoya admitted, “We’re operating with an increasingly limited budget,” a situation that is affecting the hospital’s ability to offer essential services.
Despite these setbacks, DFMH managed 3,398 inpatient cases in 2024. The hospital has also expanded its training programs and improved diagnostic services, especially in pediatric and radiology care.
“Our training programs have expanded, and our diagnostic capabilities continue to improve, especially in pediatric and radiological services,” Dr. Kingori stated.
The MPs pledged to advocate for better funding and policy support to ensure that the hospital continues to provide critical care to KDF personnel and their families.
Top Stories Today
- MFA Lanet becomes first national girls’ school to offer aviation technology
- State moves to sign pacts on medical evacuation for Kenyan officers in Haiti
- Mass registration exercise offers relief to Mombasa residents seeking ID issuance
- Violence, child malnutrition in Sudan soar by 1,000 per cent
- Nairobi County to clamp properties, evict rent defaulters from Monday
- China, Russia pledge to join forces against bullying, power politics
- Ruto sidelines governors with new Sh11.47 billion road fund
- 20 killed, 50 injured in drone strike on prison in West Sudan
- Ministry of Health wants Treasury to deduct health workers’ dues directly
- State bans quarrying activities in Malindi village after death of three people
- How your spice rack could boost your immunity
- Congo gold miner halts operations in tax dispute with M23
- Turkana to take over Sh2bn infrastructure project
- Cold showers: The wellness trend making waves, but are they for everyone?
- Samsung to launch ultra-slim Galaxy S25 edge globally on May 12: What to expect
- Silent but deadly: Growing burden of respiratory diseases in Kenya
- First white South Africans to arrive under US refugee plan as soon as next week
- Leaders in Garissa empowered on handling alternative justice system
- Sudan envoy defies junta’s orders to cut ties with UAE, saying it is "irrelevant"
- How officers recruitment freeze has affected police-to-civilian ratio- KNBS
