President Ruto Pledges Ksh500 Million to Elevate Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital

The National Government has moved to strengthen specialized healthcare in Nyeri County with a KSh500 million commitment aimed at elevating Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital to Level 6 status. President Ruto confirmed the funding during a recent visit to Othaya, noting that the investment will facilitate the completion of critical infrastructure and the acquisition of advanced medical equipment.

The elevation effectively transitions the facility into an independent national referral hospital. Previously operating as an annex of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the Othaya-based institution will now manage its own board and budget. This administrative shift is designed to streamline decision-making and enhance the delivery of specialized services to residents of Nyeri and neighboring counties.

According to President Ruto, the government has already gazetted the hospital as a parastatal. To oversee this transition, retired General Robert Kibochi has been appointed to lead the new board. The move is intended to ensure the facility operates with the same level of autonomy as other national teaching and referral hospitals in the country.

The hospital has a 350-bed capacity and currently offers a range of services, including oncology, renal care, and intensive care. However, the new funding is expected to address remaining gaps in diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Key priorities for the upgrade include the installation of modern MRI and CT scan machines, alongside the expansion of the specialist medical workforce.

The locals previously had to travel to Nairobi for most advanced medical interventions. By establishing a fully-fledged Level 6 facility in Othaya, the government aims to decentralize high-level healthcare. This project forms a core part of the broader Universal Health Coverage agenda, focusing on reducing the travel burden for patients requiring complex surgeries or chronic disease management.

Construction of the facility originally began in 2010 but faced over a decade of delays and funding challenges. It was finally opened in 2019, but its reliance on KNH for management was seen as a temporary measure. The current administration has prioritized delinking the hospital to allow it to function as a regional hub for medical research, training, and innovation.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who accompanied President Ruto during the announcement, welcomed the move. The governor noted that the county is ready to work with the national government to ensure a seamless transition for the facility. The upgraded status is expected to serve a vast referral network covering counties such as Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, and parts of the northern frontier.

Beyond the clinical benefits, the upgrade involves significant civil works and site preparation. Contractors are expected to move to the site to begin the necessary structural modifications required for the new equipment. This infrastructure boost is projected to improve the overall quality of care while creating professional opportunities for healthcare workers in the region.