Kenya’s Health Ministry partners with private sector to modernize Kenyatta National Hospital
The upgrades complement the Nest360 newborn care project, the installation of 136 modern beds and the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology at KNH.
KENYA—Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched refurbished and equipped wards at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi as part of the Adopt-a-Ward Initiative, strengthening public-private partnerships to improve specialised healthcare.
The initiative brings together Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Prime Bank, the Nakumatt Molo Fire Victims Fund and Nest360 to improve hospital infrastructure and patient care.
Co-operative Bank contributed KSh 100 million (US$769,000), including 96 orthopaedic beds, while the Nakumatt Molo Fire Victims Fund provided KSh 30 million (US$231,000), including 40 three-crank electric beds.
The upgrades complement the Nest360 newborn care project, the installation of 136 modern beds and the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology at KNH.
These investments support the hospital’s capacity to manage complex cases and strengthen access to specialised services for patients from Kenya and neighbouring countries.
During a tour of the hospital, Duale inspected the renovated facilities and medical technologies.
He also highlighted the government’s ongoing investment in healthcare infrastructure, including renovations to Levels 7 and 8 at KNH under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Government calls for accountability and maintenance
Duale urged more companies, foundations and development partners to invest in healthcare infrastructure in line with Ministry of Health standards.
He also called on hospital management and implementing partners to maintain transparency, accountability, and technical compliance, while ensuring the upgraded facilities are properly maintained.
Such partnerships can help mobilise additional capital for hospital infrastructure and equipment as public health systems face growing demand for specialised services.
However, sustained benefits depend on effective procurement, equipment maintenance and the availability of trained personnel to operate new technologies.
Strengthening referral networks and medical innovation
The government is also expanding Primary Care Networks across Kenya’s 47 counties to bring essential services closer to communities while reinforcing KNH’s role as a specialised referral centre.
According to the Health Ministry, effective referral systems, supported by the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre and the SHA 922 Lifeline, are important for timely emergency response and continuity of care.
Duale further emphasised the need for KNH to strengthen its role in medical research, professional training and innovation.
He called for greater adoption of emerging technologies to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.
The launch was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga; KNH Board Chairperson Dr Abbas Gullet; KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Lesiyampe; Prime Bank Founder and Chairperson Dr Rasik Kantaria; Co-operative Bank Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking Lydia Rono; Nest360 Country Lead Prof William Macharia; and other senior Ministry of Health officials.
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