President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across Kenya, following his inspection of the ongoing construction of the Western Kenya National Referral Hospital in Kakamega County. The facility, which is expected to be the region’s largest public health institution, is a flagship project under the government’s plan to expand access to specialized medical services and achieve equitable healthcare for all citizens.
During the inspection, President Ruto announced that the government has allocated an additional KSh1 billion to speed up the construction process, with completion targeted within the next ten months. The referral hospital is set to serve as a major health hub for the western region, catering to patients from Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and neighboring counties. It will offer advanced diagnostic, surgical, and treatment services that currently require referral to facilities in Nairobi or abroad.
The project aligns with the broader national agenda of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by ensuring that Kenyans from all regions have access to quality healthcare without facing financial hardship. Through the Social Health Authority (SHA), the government has already rolled out free primary healthcare for all citizens and continues to expand insurance coverage for additional medical and specialized services.
In addition to constructing new hospitals, the government is also upgrading existing public health facilities nationwide. Modern medical equipment and advanced technology are being deployed in key hospitals to improve service delivery, enhance efficiency, and ensure better patient outcomes. The implementation of a sustainable fee-for-service model under the UHC framework aims to balance affordability with the need for quality and continuity of care.
President Ruto emphasized that the Western Kenya National Referral Hospital will not only improve healthcare access but also create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region. Once operational, it is expected to reduce the burden on major referral hospitals and contribute to Kenya’s long-term vision of a robust, efficient, and inclusive healthcare system.
The government’s commitment to completing the project on schedule underscores its resolve to deliver modern, accessible healthcare infrastructure that meets the needs of all Kenyans — a key pillar in the nation’s pursuit of equitable development and improved public welfare.
