Kiambu nears completion of 32 county hospitals to increase bed capacity by 1,600

The Kiambu County government is finalizing a major infrastructure program involving the construction of 32 new health facilities across its 12 sub-counties. The project, which includes six level four hospitals and 26 level three facilities, is intended to double the county’s current inpatient capacity from 1,600 to 3,200 beds. This expansion addresses long-standing gaps in local healthcare access where residents in densely populated areas previously traveled long distances to reach primary referral centers.

Construction work has focused on reviving several large-scale projects that had stalled for years due to contractual disputes and unpaid bills from previous administrations. Among the prominent sites are the Thogoto Level Four Hospital in Kikuyu, which was launched nearly a decade ago but remained an empty shell until recently. Other major level four facilities nearing completion or operationalization include Lari, Bibirioni in Limuru, Wangige, and Githunguri. The Githunguri project is one of the largest in the portfolio, designed as a multi-storey facility with a 280-bed capacity, including specialized units for oncology and intensive care.

In addition to the larger referral centers, the county has invested in 26 level three hospitals to strengthen primary healthcare at the ward level. These facilities are designed with a standard template that typically includes 10-bed general wards and 16-bed maternity wings. Locations such as Ndumberi, Kahawa Sukari, and Kahawa Wendani are part of this network that is intended to de-congest the higher-level five hospitals in Thika and Kiambu town. The administration has allocated approximately Sh50 million for the construction of each level three unit.

The infrastructure phase is being followed by a Sh2 billion procurement program for medical equipment. This includes the installation of modern X-ray, ultrasound, dialysis, and endoscopy machines in both new and existing facilities. By equipping these centers with advanced diagnostic tools, the county aims to align with Universal Health Coverage standards, ensuring that specialized services are available closer to the community level.
Current activity at several sites involves the installation of perimeter walls, gatehouses, and internal paving to prepare the buildings for public use. 

Tenders for the operationalization of facilities like Ndeiya and Gathiga level three hospitals have recently been processed to ensure that the physical structures are matched with the necessary medical supplies and staff.
This build-out of the health network is a core component of the "Wamatangi Care" initiative. Beyond the buildings, the county has established a central drug store in Ruiru to manage the supply chain for 114 hospitals, aiming to prevent the frequent drug stockouts that have historically hampered public health delivery in the region.