Kenya’s healthcare sector took a significant step forward with the groundbreaking of a new hospital complex at the Siaya County Referral Hospital. The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, and Siaya Governor Hon. James Orengo, alongside other senior government officials.
Dr. Oluga highlighted the hospital complex as a pivotal project for Siaya’s health system, emphasizing that it goes beyond just physical infrastructure. While the county has made progress in maternal health and immunization, it still faces challenges with high rates of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The new hospital complex, according to Dr. Oluga, will be a beacon of hope, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents.
The Principal Secretary also pointed to ongoing national government support through the National Equipment Supplies Program (NESP), which has already provided ultrasound machines to local hospitals, benefiting many patients. He reassured the public that requests for additional equipment, including digital X-rays, dialysis machines, and theatre facilities, are being addressed. Additionally, the Urenga Level 3A Hospital, valued at KSh 50 million, is near completion.
The drive towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) was another key focus, with Dr. Oluga reporting that 404,088 residents 40.7 percent of Siaya’s population are registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), though only a fraction are fully contributing. Nationally, over 26 million Kenyans are registered under SHA, with 7.3 million active contributors. Over KSh 416 million has been injected into Siaya’s healthcare providers, including KSh 191 million through the Primary Healthcare Fund and KSh 225 million in claims paid by the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Upon completion, the hospital complex will offer advanced diagnostic, surgical, and emergency services, expanding to include cardiology, oncology, and mental health services. It will also help ease congestion in lower-level facilities and create job and training opportunities for healthcare workers. The project embodies a partnership between national and county governments and signifies a commitment to ensuring that every child born in Siaya has the same chances of survival and well-being as those born in Nairobi.
Dr. Oluga described the project’s foundation as one of dignity and service, urging continued collaboration between leaders and communities to foster a healthier, stronger Kenya.
