Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale  today chaired a high-level strategic consultative meeting to advance the development of 13 new Level 5, 300-bed comprehensive county referral hospitals, in line with the Presidential directive to strengthen Kenya’s health infrastructure and accelerate the country’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The KES 29 billion investment will see the state-of-the-art facilities established across Kilifi, Mandera, Marsabit, Embu, Migori, Nyamira, Turkana, Baringo, Nakuru, Bomet, Narok and Laikipia. The programme will complement the ongoing first phase of the 2,000-bed Kiplombe multi-specialty hospital and the planned Level 6 facility in Mombasa, significantly expanding access to quality and specialised healthcare.

The initiative is anchored on equity and need, with the selection of counties informed by population size, disease burden, existing health infrastructure and the availability of funding through Government, development partners and private-sector partnerships. This strategic approach will help direct investments to areas with the greatest need while addressing disparities in access to specialised services.

The proposed hospitals will form an important addition to Kenya’s health infrastructure, currently comprising 14,883 health facilities, while advancing the health sector priorities under the Fifth Administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The investments will further strengthen the WHO health system building blocks, including service delivery, the health workforce, health information systems, medical products and technologies, health financing, and leadership and governance.

During the meeting, the CS reviewed the proposed hospital designs, which prioritise modern, sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure. The facilities will incorporate green engineering, increased use of solar energy, adequate spaces for patients and healthcare workers, and designs that promote efficiency, sustainability and a better healthcare environment.

Each hospital will be equipped to provide a higher level of specialised and critical care, including at least 16 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds and 10 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds, supported by modern diagnostic and treatment equipment. This will strengthen counties’ capacity to manage complex conditions and reduce the burden on national referral facilities.

The meeting also focused on translating the plans into implementation, with emphasis on clear timelines, county-level coordination, accountability and regular progress reporting. The CS stressed the need to identify and address potential bottlenecks early to ensure that the projects move efficiently from design to construction and eventual service delivery.

Given that health is a devolved function, Hon. Duale underscored the importance of close collaboration between the National and County Governments. County preparedness, including provision of land, approvals, utilities, staffing and operational readiness, must progress alongside construction to ensure the facilities become functional and deliver services to communities without delay.

The investments mark a significant milestone in the transformation of Kenya’s health infrastructure. By expanding specialised care, embracing modern technology and sustainable design, and strengthening national-county collaboration, the Government is laying the foundation for a more equitable, resilient and responsive health system that brings quality healthcare closer to every Kenyan.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga; Governors H.E. Abdullswamad Nassir of Mombasa and Chairperson of the Council of Governors Health Committee, H.E. Ochilo Ayacko of Migori, H.E. Jeremiah Ekama of Turkana, H.E. Cecily Mbarire of Embu, H.E. Joshua Irungu of Laikipia, H.E. Simba Arati of Kisii and H.E. Mohamud Mohamed of Marsabit; representatives from County Governments; Presidential Advisor on Health Wilson Aruasa; Head of Health Infrastructure, Projects and Grants Management Dr. Hezron Omolo; and other Ministry officials.