Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered an immediate, in-depth investigation into Nakuru’s Sisto Mazzoldi Hospital after a media exposé uncovered shocking allegations of medical negligence and fraud. The move signals a tough stance on protecting Kenyan patients and safeguarding public funds under the new Social Health Authority (SHA).

This is more than a hospital scandal; it's a critical test for the country's Universal Health Coverage ambitions. The government's swift action aims to reassure the public that malpractice will not be tolerated within the new SHA framework, which is funded by every Kenyan taxpayer.

In a statement released Wednesday, CS Duale emphasized the government's duty to protect citizens. "Every patient possesses an inherent right to accessible, quality healthcare and must be fully protected from harm while seeking essential services," he noted, referencing Article 43 of the Constitution.

A Pattern of Problems

The NTV exposé, titled "Wards of Evil," detailed disturbing claims against the facility, prompting the fresh probe. Allegations include:

• Falsified medical records to conceal negligence.
• Botched surgeries leading to patient harm and death.
• Fraudulent insurance claims using ghost patients and fictitious procedures.
• A scheme allegedly using staff insurance details to defraud the government.

Even before the exposé, the hospital was on the government's radar. Duale revealed that Sisto Mazzoldi was already under active investigation by the SHA for submitting inaccurate claims. This had already led to its suspension from providing services under the SHA framework, pending the outcome of the inquiry.

Regulators Had Already Acted

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) had also taken prior action. Following a "rigorous audit" in November 2025, the council downgraded the hospital from a Level IV to a Level III institution. The ministry explained this was based on a comprehensive assessment of the hospital's staffing, infrastructure, and the range of services it could genuinely offer.

CS Duale has now directed the KMPDC to launch a new, thorough investigation into the specific malpractices highlighted by the media. "If any malpractice is confirmed, the council will take the strongest disciplinary action allowed under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Rules," Duale warned.

The investigation into Sisto Mazzoldi Hospital is part of a wider crackdown on healthcare fraud, which has seen dozens of facilities suspended from the SHA program in 2025. This case will be a closely watched indicator of the Ministry of Health's resolve to enforce accountability and ensure that Universal Health Coverage delivers on its promise of quality care for all Kenyans.