President William Ruto has pledged Sh500 million for the completion and equipping of the stalled Ziwa Hospital in Uasin Gishu county.
The pledge raises hope that the long-delayed project will commissioned to offer specialised healthcare services to residents of the North Rift.
Ruto made the commitment during an inspection of construction works at the facility in the Soy constituency. He said the investment will support the expansion of healthcare infrastructure and bring advanced medical services closer to residents.
The 400-bed hospital is expected to serve Uasin Gishu and neighbouring counties, easing pressure on Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and other referral facilities once it becomes operational.
The hospital is expected to have five operating theatres, 12 intensive care unit (ICU) beds and 12 high dependency unit (HDU) beds. It will also house laboratories, maternity, dental and diagnostic units, as well as a physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre.
The additional capacity is expected to expand access to surgical, maternal and diagnostic services while improving the management of complex medical conditions and emergencies.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii welcomed the President’s commitment, saying completion of the hospital will mark a significant step towards improving healthcare.
“We are grateful for the commitment by President Ruto to support completion of the hospital as part of his vision to ensure Kenyans enjoy quality healthcare,” Bii said.
He said the county will work with the national government to ensure the facility is completed.
The project was initiated during the tenure of former governor Jackson Mandago, who is now the county’s senator.
Mandago said the hospital’s location will enable it to serve residents beyond Uasin Gishu.
“This hospital is located in a strategic area where it will serve people from more than four counties,” he said.
Ziwa Hospital is expected to decentralise specialised healthcare services, strengthen referral systems and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances in search of advanced treatment.
Senior national and county government officials accompanied the President during the inspection to assess the project’s progress.
