The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret has issued new restrictions for both patients and visitors in an effort to tighten safety within the premises.
In an official statement dated August 1, the hospital announced that, beginning this month, all patients will be allowed only two visitors at a time.
In the notice addressed to the public, the hospital explained that the move was intended to ensure a more secure, peaceful, and hygienic environment for both patients and healthcare workers.
“In compliance with the Ministry of Health directive to improve safety and security, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) wishes to inform the public that effective August 1, 2025, each patient will only be allowed a maximum of two (2) visitors at a time,” the notice read in part.
The hospital also adjusted visiting hours to ensure that only patients remain within the premises in the evening.
“Visiting Hours will be strictly: Lunch: 1:00pm– 2:00pm Evening: 4:00pm– 6:00pm.We urge all visitors to adhere to the above guidelines,” the notice continued.
Hospital officials revealed that the changes are part of a broader national effort to manage hospital traffic, prevent overcrowding, and ensure quality care and recovery conditions for patients.
MTRH remains one of Kenya’s largest referral hospitals, serving the western region and beyond. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to patient welfare while balancing the need for safety and operational efficiency.
The new restrictions come just days after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced a series of safety and security reforms targeting all hospitals in the country, following a crisis meeting with facility administrators.
The CS expressed the need for more stringent measures, especially following the death of a patient at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on July 11, 2025, an incident that exposed gaps in patient safety and hospital security systems.
“Following the tragic loss of a young Kenyan at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on July 11, 2025, I convened a crisis meeting with CEOs of all national referral hospitals to initiate urgent reforms and rebuild public trust in our health system,” Duale said.
Prior to the new measures, national referral hospitals lacked a standardised limit on the number of visitors allowed. Most facilities operated under flexible or loosely enforced guidelines, with some permitting up to four or more visitors depending on the ward, time of day, and hospital policy.
