Bungoma County Referral Hospital expands diagnostic services as Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital achieves Level 5 status

KENYA — Bungoma County Referral Hospital has unveiled a new Annex Radiology Unit and CT Scan Centre, strengthening access to advanced diagnostic services for patients across western Kenya.

The new facility was commissioned during an official visit by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who described the development as an important step in decentralizing specialized healthcare services.

The centre houses a 128-slice CT scanner installed under the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP).

Since becoming operational, the scanner has already handled dozens of patients from Bungoma and neighboring counties, helping to reduce delays for critical imaging and easing the burden on referral hospitals in larger cities.

During his visit, Duale toured several departments within the hospital, including the Mother and Child Health Centre and the Cancer and Palliative Care Unit.

These units have continued to improve access to maternal health services, early cancer diagnosis and supportive treatment for patients with chronic illnesses.

Cancer care expansion

The Ministry of Health also reaffirmed plans to strengthen cancer treatment services under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.

As part of that effort, the government is preparing to operationalize regional oncology centres at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and in Kisii County.

According to the ministry, the new centres will reduce pressure on national referral hospitals by allowing more patients to receive specialized treatment closer to home.

The expansion is expected to improve access to screening, diagnosis and long-term cancer management in underserved regions.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka hosted the visit.

Duale was accompanied by Social Health Authority Chief Executive Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Agency Chief Executive Eng. Anthony Lenayara and senior officials from both the national and county governments.

Vihiga Hospital upgrade

Meanwhile, Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital has been upgraded from a Level 4 to a Level 5 facility after meeting national standards for staffing, infrastructure and medical equipment.

Governor Wilber Ottichilo announced the milestone during an interview with a local radio station, saying the county had completed the requirements needed for certification.

The county government, working with the County Assembly, has also approved plans to grant the hospital semi-autonomous status.

Beginning July 1, 2026, the hospital will operate as a parastatal with its own board of directors responsible for governance, staffing, and financial oversight.

Ottichilo said the hospital now has a modern operating theatre, an intensive care unit, and a fully operational Mother and Child Hospital established with support from the Safaricom Foundation.

He added that a new Hospital Plaza is scheduled for commissioning in May 2026, while county officials have also sourced additional modern equipment from China to support the hospital’s growing role as a referral and teaching centre.