Residents of Gatanga Sub-county in Murang’a have received a major boost in access to quality healthcare following the official upgrade of Kirwara Hospital to a Level-4 facility.
The upgrade of the level-3 hospital is expected to significantly expand medical services not only to Gatanga residents but also to people from neighbouring sub-counties.
Speaking during the launch on Saturday, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata described the upgrade as a transformative step in strengthening healthcare delivery for local communities.
He noted that the elevation of the facility will reduce the need for residents to travel long distances in search of specialized treatment.
The newly upgraded hospital now boasts improved infrastructure and expanded departments aimed at offering comprehensive care.
Among the key additions are a fully equipped male ward, a modern X-ray department and a specialized clinic that includes consultation rooms, a nutritionist’s office and a triage section to enhance patient management.
The facility has also introduced a paediatric ward to cater to children’s healthcare needs, as well as a modern mortuary.
Kang’ata, who was accompanied by a section of local MCAs said the improvements reflect the county government’s deliberate investment in the health sector adding that the goal is to ensure residents receive timely and quality medical services within their locality.
He emphasized that the hospital’s new status will allow it to offer a wider range of treatments under the Social Health Authority (SHA), easing the burden on patients who previously had to seek such services elsewhere.
“This upgrade marks a significant milestone for our people. It means better services, faster care and more dignity for our residents when seeking treatment,” said Kang’ata.
In addition to the hospital upgrade, the governor also launched the Kirwara Hospital Smart City access road, a project aimed at improving accessibility to the facility.
The road is expected to enhance emergency response times and make it easier for patients and healthcare workers to reach the hospital.
Local residents have welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the improved facility will address long-standing challenges in accessing quality healthcare.
Many noted that the presence of additional services such as X-ray and specialized clinics will greatly reduce costs associated with referrals to distant hospitals.
Gatanga Ward MCA John Kibaiya noted that the county assembly is fully supporting upgrading of health facilities as part of a broader strategy to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Murang’a.
By elevating key facilities to higher levels, Kibaiya said, the county aims to decentralize services and ensure equitable access to medical care.
The transformation of Kirwara Hospital into a Level-4 facility underscores Murang’a County’s continued commitment to improving the wellbeing of its residents.
With expanded services, better equipment, and improved accessibility, the hospital is now poised to serve as a critical healthcare hub in Gatanga and its surrounding areas.
by Bernard Munyao
