By Grace Wamaitha, Devreporter, Nakuru County
Key Highlights
- For years, a medical emergency in Nakuru County’s rural areas meant a long journey to Nakuru city.
- Persistent advocacy from the community eventually caught the attention of county officials, paving the way for transformative change in access to health services.
- Nakuru Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital continues to serve over 50% of its patients from outside the county, resulting in overcrowding at the facility.
For years, a medical emergency in a rural area like Subukia meant a long journey to Nakuru city, often at great expense, with some patients not arriving in time.
But now, a long-awaited transformation is underway in regard to access to health services in Nakuru county.
Mary Waithera, a 53-year-old resident, expresses her excitement about the upcoming Subukia Level 4 Hospital:
“I cannot wait for this hospital to open. We have been travelling to Nakuru city for treatment. The new hospital will save us time and money.”
James Mwangi, a local farmer, echoes his sentiments: “We are so grateful for healthcare coming to our doorstep. We have relied on herbal remedies for years before making the long journey to the hospital.”
Way for Transformative Change
For decades, Subukia residents have supported each other through fundraisers for patients in need of urgent health care.
However, these temporary solutions highlighted the urgent need for accessible healthcare infrastructure.
Persistent advocacy from the community eventually caught the attention of county officials, paving the way for transformative change.
Under Kenya’s devolved governance system, Nakuru County prioritised healthcare development.
Article 43(1) of Kenya’s Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to the highest attainable standard of health, while Article 56 calls for affirmative action for marginalised communities.
Nakuru County has made several key investments in healthcare, including the construction of Subukia Level 4 Hospital, which is being built at a cost of Ksh. 120 million and is nearing completion. This hospital will provide essential services to Subukia residents.
Another significant project is Rongai Level 4 Hospital, a Ksh. 249.8 million, 90-bed facility that will feature advanced laboratories, X-ray services, emergency units, and operating theatres, set to be completed in two years.
Additionally, Kiptororo Level 4 Hospital has been built at a cost of Ksh. 248.2 million in Kuresoi North.
Other ongoing projects include the Olenguruone Level 4 Health Centre, which is currently upgrading its outpatient unit, and the Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital, a Ksh. 330 million outpatient complex, which is under construction.
These projects align with Kenya Vision 2030’s health pillar and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and the fight against non-communicable diseases.
For residents like Lucy Mwangi, improvements in health facilities extend beyond convenience; they bring dignity and inclusivity.
“This improvement is more than just a convenience; it is a step toward dignity and inclusivity,” she notes.
Raised Hopes
Meanwhile, Rongai Level 4 Hospital’s location near the notorious Salgaa blackspot has raised hopes among residents like Jane Cherono, a shop owner:
“We have seen so many accidents on this road. Now, people can receive treatment immediately instead of waiting too long. This will save lives,” says Jane Chrono.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Nakuru Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital continues to serve over 50% of its patients from outside the county, resulting in overcrowding at the facility.
To ensure long-term success in healthcare provision, the county must fully equip and staff all new hospitals, enhance referral systems to alleviate pressure on Nakuru Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital, and guarantee that healthcare remains affordable and accessible to all.
Transform Lives
The ongoing healthcare projects in Nakuru County illustrate how devolution can transform lives.
By investing in health infrastructure, the county is not merely constructing hospitals; it is addressing longstanding challenges and ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and inclusive.
For Nakuru County residents like Mary Waithera, Lucy Mwangi, James Mwangi, and Jane Cherono, these hospitals represent more than just buildings; they are lifelines—a promise of a better, healthier future.
