Expectant mothers in Kitengela, Kajiado County will now access safer and faster maternity services after a new state-of-the-art operating theatre was unveiled at the Kitengela Sub-County Hospital.
The modern facility, commissioned by the County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Health Alex Kilowua, is expected to ease congestion and improve access to safe delivery and emergency surgical care for mothers and newborns.
Kilowua said the facility marks a major step in the county’s efforts to expand maternal health services and reduce the number of referrals to the Kajiado County Referral Hospital.
Speaking during the launch, the CEC noted that the project was implemented in partnership with the national government through the National Equipment Support Programme, which has been key in equipping county hospitals with modern medical infrastructure.
“Through strategic partnerships and investment in modern equipment, we are working to ensure that every mother can access safe and dignified delivery services without having to travel long distances,” he said.
The hospital’s Medical Officer in Charge, Dr Veronica Abuto, said the new theatre will ease pressure on the existing facility and improve response to emergency cases.
“Handling emergency cases has been challenging due to reliance on a single theatre. This modern facility will ease pressure, enhance our emergency response, and significantly reduce risks for mothers and newborns,” Dr Abuto said.
She added that the hospital has witnessed a steady rise in maternity cases, making the new unit essential in improving service delivery and cutting the cost of referrals.
Residents and health workers welcomed the new theatre, saying it will help save lives and make quality maternity services more accessible to families within Kitengela and its environs.
They noted that the facility is a step towards improving healthcare delivery in Kajiado, with a focus on ensuring patients access quality and timely medical services.
On her part, Josphine Mbithe, a mother of two from Kyang’ombe area, said the new theatre will save women the stress of being transferred to faraway hospitals during emergencies.
“Many of us have gone through difficult experiences because the hospital was overstretched. Knowing that surgery can now be done here gives us peace of mind,” she said.
Another resident, Mercy Wamboi, noted that the facility will benefit not only expectant mothers but also patients requiring other surgical services.
“This is a great relief for many families. It means people no longer have to rush to Kajiado town for operations that can now be done right here,” she said.
Wamboi added that the theatre’s opening will also reduce transport costs and the long waiting hours that patients previously endured when seeking specialized treatment.
“Sometimes people would postpone surgery because of the distance and expenses involved. Now, with this facility close to us, more patients will seek timely medical attention, which will help save lives,” she said.
By Rop Janet
