The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in partnership with Murang’a County Government has embarked on construction of a 100-bed hospital wing at Kenneth Matiba Hospital in Makenji area of Kandara Sub-County.
The project, which includes construction of a state-of-the-art trauma centre and a doctors’ plaza, is expected to be completed within six months.
The Defence Principal Secretary, Patrick Mariru and Muranga County Governor, Irungu Kang’ata, commissioned the construction of the ultra-modern health facility that will revolutionize health-care service delivery in parts of Murang’a south.
Speaking during a groundbreaking event, Governor Kang’ata highlighted the strategic importance of the expansion, saying the trauma centre would operate 24 hours a day and play a crucial role in managing road accident emergencies across the region.
“This trauma centre will not only operate around the clock but will also be critical in handling accident cases from within and beyond Murang’a. It’s a timely investment for our people,” said Kang’ata.
The governor noted the hospital is located along the busy Thika – Kenol highway thus suitably located to handle victims of road carnage.
Currently, Kenneth Matiba Hospital which was launched late last year has a bed capacity of only 20, but the expansion will raise that to 120, representing a five fold increase in the hospital’s ability to serve patients.
Kang’ata underscored the efforts his administration is doing to improve health service delivery by constructing new dispensaries and health centres and also renovating and upgrading existing hospitals.
Kang’ata lauded the collaboration between the national and county governments, revealing that the county had already provided land for construction of the new hospital building.
“Initially Kenneth Matiba was hosted in a rental premise but my administration built a health facility here at Makenji where the hospital was shifted to. We look forward to expanding the hospital to a level-5 status,” he added.
On his part, Principal Secretary Mariru reiterated the commitment of the national government in supporting devolved units to achieve significant development.
Mariru noted the construction of the new buildings at the hospital will be done by KDF and that the entire project is fully funded by the national government.
“This is part of a broader plan to enhance health infrastructure across counties. We are rolling out similar projects in Meru, Ol Kalou in Nyandarua, Kiambu, and Siaya,” remarked Mariru.
Meanwhile Kang’ata announced that the county is set to benefit from additional government investment, including the proposed construction of a 10,000-seater Mumbi Stadium in Murang’a town to support local sports and talent development.
The governor added that Sports PS Elijah Mwangi is expected to spearhead the construction of another stadium in Murang’a south further boosting local sports and infrastructure development.
PS Mwangi who was also present during the groundbreaking of the hospital observed that his ministry and the Murang’a government are exploring a suitable location to construct second stadium after Mumbi in Murang’a South area.
By Bernard Munyao
