The National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security has urged the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to consider upgrading the newly constructed National Police Service Level Four Hospital to a Level Five facility.
During an inspection tour of the hospital, the Committee held engagements with the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, Chief Executive Officer of the National Police Service Commission, Peter Leley, representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Health, as well as hospital staff.
In a briefing to the Committee, Opil, the officer in charge of the facility, explained that the hospital is yet to be operational due to pending issues with the contractor.
“The total cost of the project to date stands at Sh1.2 billion. Out of this, Sh400 million has been disbursed by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to the Ministry of Defence, leaving a balance of Sh833,628,135,” stated Opil.
The hospital, which spans a floor area of 5,800 square metres, has a bed capacity of 150.
It also includes parking facilities for four ambulances, 20 staff vehicles, and 50 public vehicles.
Committee Members inquired about the parameters used to classify the facility as a Level Four hospital and sought clarification on what is required for it to attain Level Five status.
They were informed that classification depends on a checklist that includes service offerings, infrastructure, personnel, and documentation such as valid registration and practice licenses for medical staff.
It was noted that the absence of an MRI machine is the primary factor preventing its elevation to Level 5.
Led by the Committee’s Vice Chairperson, Col. (Rtd.) Dido Rasso (Saku), Members advised the relevant officials to prioritize the acquisition of an MRI machine.
They emphasized that attaining Level 5 status would bring the hospital under the jurisdiction of the national government, thereby easing access to funding through the National Treasury.
Furthermore, the facility would then serve as a referral hospital.
During the tour, the Committee observed that the hospital is already well-equipped, with many machines having been installed since 2022 but yet to be put to use.
The legislators called on the officials to present a comprehensive estimate for operationalizing the hospital, with a view to factoring it into the upcoming budget.
“As a Committee, we are committed to securing the funds needed to make this hospital fully operational. This inspection has been insightful, and we now have a clear understanding of the situation on the ground,” said Rasso.
