The Government has commissioned the 150-bed Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital at the Kenya Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, expanding access to quality healthcare for correctional services officers, inmates and surrounding communities.
Principal Secretary (PS) for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga joined Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki in commissioning the facility, which began operations in March with the introduction of outpatient services.
Dr. Oluga said the hospital provides both inpatient and outpatient care, maternal and child health services, emergency treatment, diagnostic services, laboratory and pharmacy services, renal care and specialised clinics.
He said the facility is also equipped with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), radiology and dental units, a maternity wing, male and female wards and a paediatric ward.
According to the PS, operationalisation of the facility fulfils a Presidential directive issued during the Kenya Prisons Service recruits’ pass-out parade in February and strengthens the correctional system’s capacity to provide timely and comprehensive healthcare.
Dr. Oluga further announced that the hospital has been integrated into the Social Health Authority’s Usalama Cover Public Officers Medical Scheme, enabling officers and their dependents to access outpatient, inpatient, maternity, specialised and emergency evacuation services.
He said the expanded healthcare capacity would reduce reliance on external referrals while supporting timely diagnosis and treatment and improving patient outcomes.
The PS said the facility also advances the Government’s Universal Health Coverage agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by extending affordable and quality healthcare services to disciplined services personnel and the wider public.
The commissioning was attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary for Interior Dr. Raymond Omolo, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Dr. Salome Beacco, Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs Ms. Aurelia Rono and Commissioner General of Prisons Mr. Patrick M. Aranduh.
Senior Ministry of Health officials and Kenya Prisons Service staff also attended the event.
By Michael Omondi
