President William Ruto has announced plans to upgrade Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital and Garissa County Referral Hospital from Level 5 to Level 6 status, a move that is expected to expand access to specialised healthcare services in Western and North Eastern Kenya.
Speaking during a church service at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Matunda, Likuyani, on October 11, the President said he had agreed with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa to begin the process of elevating the Kakamega facility immediately.
He said the necessary paperwork for gazettement had already started and that the formal upgrade would be completed next month.
Ruto disclosed that once the hospitals attain Level 6 status, the national government will provide annual funding to support their operations, reducing the burden on county governments and strengthening their ability to offer advanced treatment.
Currently, Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital operates as a Level 5 facility and serves residents of Kakamega and neighbouring counties, including Vihiga, Bungoma, and Busia.
Ksh1 Billion Released for Ongoing Works
The President further revealed that the national government has already released Sh1 billion to the Kakamega County Government to complete stalled construction work at the referral hospital.
According to Ruto, funding constraints slowed some projects at the facility, but the new allocation will ensure the works are completed within the planned timeline.
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The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts by both the national and county governments to complete the new Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital project, which has been under construction for several years.
The facility is expected to become one of the largest healthcare institutions in the region once operational.
Ruto also praised Fernandes Barasa for what he described as a humble and cooperative leadership style, saying the governor’s willingness to work with the national government had helped move key development projects forward.
“This Governor, Fernandes Barasa, is a man willing to help the people of Kakamega, as I had a very easy time explaining to him the developments I want in this area,” Ruto stated.
The President contrasted Barasa’s approach with that of some leaders he accused of unnecessary politics, propaganda, and confrontational leadership instead of focusing on service delivery.
He said the planned Level 6 hospital project would be easier to implement because of the strong working relationship between the national and county governments.
Garissa Hospital Also Set for Major Upgrade
Garissa County Referral Hospital is also set to benefit from the planned reforms after being earmarked for elevation to Level 6 status.
The facility currently operates as a Level 5 hospital and serves as the main referral centre for Garissa County and the wider North Eastern region.
President Ruto noted that the move would bring specialised healthcare services closer to residents, reduce referrals to distant hospitals and improve access to advanced treatment.
Relief for Kakamega
Despite being one of the busiest public health facilities in the region, Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital has struggled with ageing infrastructure, inadequate staffing, shortages of medical equipment, and insufficient ambulances and utility vehicles.
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Recent inspections by senators showed dilapidated buildings, broken window panes, exposed electrical cables and overcrowding in some service areas.
The lawmakers also raised concerns about deteriorating infrastructure that has affected service delivery and patient care.
The hospital has also faced growing pressure from rising patient numbers, forcing it to operate beyond its intended capacity as demand for healthcare services continues to increase across Western Kenya.
Construction of the multi-billion-shilling project stalled at the hospital in 2021 after disputes over funding and unpaid contractor certificates, raising concerns about vandalism and the deterioration of parts of the facility.
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