Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has officially launched the construction of a new 2000 bed capacity Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), at Kiplombe area, Soy Sub County, Uasin Gishu.
The new referral hospital will become a quaternary facility, providing the highest level of specialized medical care for complex and uncommon conditions, going beyond what tertiary care facilities offer.
These centers are often associated with major teaching hospitals and may offer experimental treatments, clinical trials, and highly specialized surgeries like transplants or advanced trauma care.
The multibillion project costing approximately over Sh 50 billion, will in its phase I accommodate 2000 patients with the capacity being expected to reach up to 4000 in the next phase.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony attended by various leaders and health stakeholders, CS Duale said the project which was conceptualized in 2014 was ten years late as he assured Kenyans of its speedy completion in 18 months under the supervision of the Ministry of Defense.
The Defence ministry is recognized for its significant role in supervising national infrastructure projects at the direction of the government by leveraging its existing engineering competencies and track record to ensure timely completion, quality control, and results-based management of high-impact projects across the country.
“We are to witness a very historic milestone not just for Moi Teaching and Referral Hospitals but for the entire national health ecosystem. We are here for the ground breaking ceremony, the beginning of one of the most transformative health care investments in our country, a 2000 bed multi-specialty hospital Which is designed to serve the people of Kenya and beyond,” noted CS Duale.
He said the facility would play a major role in strengthening Kenya’s regional position as a regional health hub noting it will greatly reduce medical tourism by ensuring Kenyans receive world-class treatment right here at home.
He emphasized that the project is being closely monitored by top government officials as a key national priority.
The health CS praised the hospital stressing it will be a model for integrated care, providing advanced treatment in cardiology, oncology, trauma, transplantation, rehabilitation, pediatrics and reproductive health among others.
“The services will be linked to the primary and secondary care through our robust referral, digital health and supply chain system. In doing so, it will advance UHC by ensuring patients receive the right care at the right level and at the right time without any financial hardships,” alluded Duale.
On his part, the Defense PS Dr. Patrick Mariru who spoke on behalf of the CS defense, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensure the project is delivered within the specified timeline of 18 months.
MTRH CEO DR. Philip Kirwa said the new referral facility will enhance their current capacity of 1,200 beds and will put Eldoret City at the centre of Africa in the provision of world class medical care.
“We thank the government for walking with us on this historic journey,” he said. He also recognized the Ministry of Defence for ensuring efficiency and timely delivery, stating, “Their involvement gives us confidence that this hospital will be completed on schedule,” he said.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Chelilim Bii called the project a transformational investment. “This is a game-changer for our county,” he said. “It will create thousands of jobs and open up major business opportunities for our people.”
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich also voiced support, proposing the creation of a telemedicine center to support neighboring counties and ease the pressure on MTRH.
Soy MP David Kiplagat highlighted the size and economic impact of the investment. This Sh50 billion project is the biggest hospital in Africa,” he announced. He added that around 20,000 local jobs will be created, and new access roads will be constructed to support the facility’s operations.
by Ekuwam Sylvester and Mariam Saleh
