Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital gains full autonomy from Kenyatta National Hospital

KENYA—The Kenyan government has officially transferred the management of Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital (MKRH) from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), marking a major step in strengthening the country’s national referral healthcare system.

The handover ceremony, held in Othaya, Nyeri County, was presided over by Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga.

It formally transformed the hospital from a KNH annex into an autonomous State Corporation and a fully operational National Referral Hospital.

The move is expected to expand access to specialized healthcare services while easing pressure on other national referral facilities.

Transition to Independent Management

Speaking during the event, Dr. Oluga said the transition demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving access to quality specialized healthcare, strengthening institutional accountability, and delivering better health outcomes for Kenyans.

He added that granting the hospital operational independence will bring advanced medical services closer to communities and improve the country’s ability to manage the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

The Principal Secretary noted that the hospital became an autonomous State Corporation through Legal Notice No. 148 of 2024.

The new status gives MKRH its own Board of Directors, an approved organizational structure, and direct funding from the National Exchequer.

To ensure a smooth transition, the State Department for Medical Services established a Technical Transition Committee to oversee the transfer of staff, assets, liabilities, functions, and operational responsibilities from KNH.

Dr. Oluga also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the hospital until it achieves full operational independence and delivers its mandate as a national referral institution.

Strategic Plan and Infrastructure Expansion

During the ceremony, Dr. Oluga launched the Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which outlines the hospital’s priorities in specialized healthcare, medical education, research, and institutional performance.

The strategy aligns with the Kenya Health Policy 2014–2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Kenya Vision 2030, and the Fourth Medium-Term Plan.

He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Mwai Kibaki Tower.

The facility will house specialized medical and surgical units, advanced diagnostic services, critical care facilities, and modern training and research infrastructure.

According to Dr. Oluga, the expansion will improve access to advanced healthcare while positioning the hospital as a regional centre of excellence.

Recent Government Investments

The handover comes only months after the government formally elevated the hospital to an independent Level 6 national referral facility and announced additional investments to strengthen its capacity.

Earlier this year, President William Ruto announced that the government had set aside KSh1 billion (US$7.7 million) for modern medical equipment.

He also confirmed plans to expand the hospital’s infrastructure to better serve Nyeri County and neighbouring regions.

The event was attended by members of the Ministry of Health Technical Transition Committee, chaired by James Ntabo; Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital Board Chair Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Robert Kibochi; KNH Board Chair Dr. Abbas Gullet; Acting MKRH CEO Dr. Peter Muiruri; Acting KNH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe; National Assembly Health Committee representative Duncan Mathenge; Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina; officials from Nyeri County government; Ministry of Health representatives; hospital staff; and local leaders.