National Government to Fund Sh1.5bn Nyeri Hospital Expansion Projects

The national government has committed Sh1.5 billion toward the expansion and modernization of healthcare infrastructure in Nyeri County. This funding targets two major medical facilities, with Sh1 billion allocated for the Nyeri Level 5 Hospital and an additional Sh500 million for the Mwai Kibaki Level 6 Hospital in Othaya.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki confirmed the allocation during a site visit to Nyeri on Tuesday. Accompanied by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and other local leaders, Kindiki inspected the proposed grounds for the new developments. The project at Nyeri Level 5 Hospital involves the construction of modern infrastructure and specialized facilities to increase the capacity of the regional referral hub.

According to government officials, construction at the Level 5 facility is expected to commence before the end of April 2026. This timeline follows the formal identification of the expansion site by the county leadership. Governor Kahiga noted that the site is ready for the transition from planning to active groundworks.

The additional Sh500 million earmarked for the Mwai Kibaki Level 6 Hospital in Othaya is intended for the improvement of existing facilities. This hospital, which serves as a national teaching and referral center, has recently undergone a transition to full autonomy. The new funding will support the acquisition of equipment and the enhancement of specialized care units to serve the larger Mt. Kenya region.

The investment is part of a broader strategy to decentralize high-level medical services and reduce the burden on facilities in Nairobi. By upgrading these two key hospitals, the government aims to provide residents with advanced diagnostic and treatment options closer to home.

The Nyeri Level 5 Hospital serves as a primary referral point for several surrounding counties. The planned infrastructure expansion will address current congestion and allow for the installation of more sophisticated medical technology. Local leaders expressed confidence that the timely release of funds will ensure the project stays on the announced schedule.

Construction journalists, noting the project’s scale, expect the works to include new ward blocks and specialized diagnostic wings. The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health are expected to coordinate on the oversight of the fast-tracked construction phase.