Mwai Kibaki Hospital in Othaya Faces Severe Budgetary Challenges, Impeding Specialized Medical Services

Othaya, Nyeri County – The Mwai Kibaki Hospital in Othaya is grappling with significant budgetary constraints that are severely impacting its ability to deliver specialized medical services. This situation was revealed in a recent report by the hospital’s Director, Dr. Peter Muiruri, who expressed concerns about the lack of capital funding.

According to Kenya News Agency, the absence of a sufficient budget has limited the hospital’s scope to basic services, with advanced medical facilities like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and fully-equipped operating theaters remaining operational in anticipation of state funding. The Director highlighted these challenges during a presentation to the Central Regional Implementation Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-RICMC). Despite reaching out to the Ministry of Health for support, the hospital has not yet received the necessary funding to enhance its services.

Dr. Muiruri explained that the hospital, a Level Six facility under the Kenyatta National Hospital’s management, requires over Sh.600 million to equip its critical medical services. He urged the NGD-RICMC to support the hospital’s transition to an independent Level Six facility, a goal that is currently hindered by financial limitations.

The hospital, which boasts a 350-bed capacity, was established as an annex of the Kenyatta National Hospital. It offers a range of healthcare services including surgeries, diagnostics, critical care, and maternal and child healthcare. Since its inception, the Mwai Kibaki Hospital has served 59,544 patients through specialized clinics and conducted 25 multidisciplinary specialized outreaches in the region. Additionally, it has installed a 1500/min oxygen production plant and expanded its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity from seven to 20 beds.

However, the lack of specialized equipment, particularly for imaging and advanced surgical services, has led to patients being referred to other facilities, including the Nyeri County Referral Hospital. The hospital’s 500-strong staff faces challenges in offering comprehensive care due to these equipment shortfalls.

The Mwai Kibaki Hospital, originally named Othaya Level Six Hospital, was renamed following the death of Kenya’s third president, Mwai Kibaki. Constructed at a cost of Sh 1 billion, the facility was intended to alleviate the burden on the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi and serve residents of Nyeri County and other counties in the Mount Kenya region. Last year, the hospital added an oxygen plant, kitchen, and laundry areas, enhancing its capabilities.

Dr. Muiruri also addressed the hospital’s management, stating that it will continue to operate under the Kenyatta National Hospital board until it is granted independence. The meeting, chaired by the Central Region Deputy Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo and NGD-RICMC secretary Mukami Matemu, highlighted the critical need for financial support to ensure the hospital’s full operational capacity.