Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced that Garissa Teaching and Referral Hospital will be upgraded into a National Referral Hospital under the National Government, a move expected to transform access to specialised healthcare across Northern Kenya.
CS Duale said the Government had resolved to elevate the hospital to strengthen healthcare services in the region.
“The Government has resolved to elevate Garissa Provincial General Hospital into a National Referral Hospital. This is a major step towards ensuring residents of North Eastern Kenya can access quality specialised healthcare without travelling long distances,” he said.
Duale said the transition would attract increased investment in modern medical infrastructure, specialist personnel, advanced equipment and medical training while strengthening referral services across the region.
He added that the move would also create room for neighbouring county hospitals to expand into Level Five facilities, easing pressure on the new referral hospital and improving healthcare access.
The elevation is expected to benefit residents of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Isiolo and neighbouring counties by reducing referrals to Nairobi for specialised treatment, lowering travel costs and improving access to critical care.
It is also expected to position Garissa as Northern Kenya’s leading medical and training hub while creating employment opportunities and attracting new investment.
The National Hospital will require sustained funding, more specialist doctors and continuous expansion of facilities to cope with the anticipated increase in patients from across the region.
The Health CS also called on residents of North Eastern Kenya to support President William Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying continuity in leadership would ensure ongoing development projects are completed.
He was speaking on Saturday during the wedding of Yasmin Dekow, daughter of Garissa Township MP Maj. (Rtd.) Dekow Mohamed Barrow, and Dr. Abdi Mahat.
CS Duale urged the newlywed couples to build their marriage on Islamic values, citing the teachings of Surah An-Nisa and Surah Al-Baqarah as the foundation of a strong family.
The ceremony was attended by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar, Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Garissa Senator Abdul Haji, Garissa Woman Representative Amina Udgoon, Members of Parliament, county leaders, religious scholars and heads of state corporations.
The proposed elevation is one of the most significant healthcare investments for Northern Kenya in recent years. It is expected to improve access to specialised medical services while reinforcing Garissa’s role as the region’s healthcare referral centre.
