Kiplombe’s 4,000-bed MTRH multi-specialty hospital on track for 2027 opening to boost Kenya’s UHC goal

KENYA—Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has co-chaired a high-level meeting with Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya to review critical health infrastructure projects that support Kenya’s 5th Administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Their discussions prioritized major hospital developments that aim to improve healthcare accessibility and quality across the country.

Central to the meeting was the progress on the construction of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Kiplombe, Uasin Gishu County.

This new multi-specialty hospital will have a capacity of 4,000 beds.

The Ministry of Defence has already begun the initial phases, with plans to complete the first 2,000-bed section by April 2027.

The hospital, situated on a 200-acre site, represents a significant government investment fully funded to deliver 60 intensive care unit (ICU) beds.

This project is expected to be a game-changer for specialized and affordable healthcare in Kenya, advancing efforts toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The meeting also considered plans to renovate and upgrade Balambala Sub-County Hospital in Garissa County.

These improvements will introduce specialized medical services, including complex surgeries, making advanced healthcare more accessible to rural communities.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to decentralize quality medical services beyond major urban centers.

Further, officials discussed steady progress on multiple hospital projects nationwide.

These include Mama Rachel Ruto Hospital, J.M. Kariuki Hospital, Meru Hospital, Kenneth Matiba Hospital, Githunguri Hospital, Keroka Hospital, Sogoo Hospital, Kakamega Hospital, Nakuru Level VI Hospital, Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, and Siaya County Referral Hospital, among others.

Together, these projects support Kenya’s Taifa Care Model, which promotes equitable access to health services for all citizens.

Hon. Duale emphasized the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to mobilize resources, monitor projects, and ensure efficient implementation.

He highlighted the critical role of the National Equipment Services Programme (NESP) in equipping these new and upgraded facilities, ensuring they become fully operational.

The partnership between the Ministries of Health and Defence continues to play a vital role in executing these initiatives.

This collaboration is crucial to building a resilient healthcare system capable of delivering quality and affordable care across Kenya.

In attendance were Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Dr. Patrick Mariru (Defence), and Dr. Philip Kirwa (CEO, MTRH), alongside other senior officials.

Their shared commitment underlines the government’s dedication to strengthening health infrastructure through collaboration, innovation, and inclusive planning.

This health infrastructure advancement is an important step toward improving national healthcare delivery, directly impacting many Kenyan communities.

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