Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale presided over the launch and handover of refurbished and equipped hospital wards at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on Thursday. It is backed by private sector investments aimed at improving specialised care and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The improvements were delivered under the KNH Adopt-a-Ward Initiative in partnership with Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Prime Bank, the Nakumatt Molo Fire Victims Fund and Nest 360.
The investments include KSh100 million from Co-operative Bank of Kenya, which supported the provision of 96 orthopaedic beds, and KSh30 million from the Nakumatt Molo Fire Victims Fund, which funded 40 three-crank electric beds.
The initiative incorporating the Nest 360 Newborn Unit project, 136 modern beds and 3D printing technology at KNH to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide specialised services.
CS Duale said the investments demonstrate the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding access to quality healthcare and supporting the Government’s UHC agenda.
He said the Government, under the Fifth Administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), continues to complement private sector contributions through initiatives including the ongoing renovation of Levels 7 and 8 at KNH.
Aden Duale called on more corporate organisations, foundations and development partners to invest in the health sector in line with the Ministry of Health’s priorities and technical standards.
He also emphasised the need for transparency, accountability, proper maintenance and adherence to technical requirements to ensure the facilities remain functional and deliver lasting benefits to patients.
During a tour of the hospital, the CS inspected modern facilities and innovations aimed at strengthening KNH’s position as a regional centre for specialised treatment, serving patients from across Kenya and beyond.
CS Duale said the Government was also strengthening Primary Care Networks across all 47 counties to bring essential health services closer to communities while enabling KNH to concentrate on specialised and advanced medical care.
He noted that effective referral systems, supported by the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre and the SHA 922 Lifeline, were helping improve emergency referrals and continuity of care.
The CS further challenged KNH to sustain its leadership in medical innovation, research and training while integrating emerging technologies into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
He commended the implementing partners for supporting healthcare infrastructure and equipment, saying sustainable transformation of the health sector required shared responsibility between the Government and private sector.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, KNH Board Chairperson Dr Abbas Gullet, KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Lesiyampe, Prime Bank Founder and Chairperson Dr Rasik Kantaria, Co-operative Bank Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking Lydia Rono, and Nest 360 Country Lead Prof William Macharia, alongside senior Ministry of Health officials attended the launch .
CS Duale said the Government would continue working with partners to build a resilient health system that places patients at the centre of care and ensures investments translate into better health outcomes for Kenyans.
