Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has unveiled a Sh1 billion expansion project at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital that will see the construction of a modern twin-tower complex and pave the way for the facility’s elevation to Level 6 status.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing works, Kindiki said the project is a major step toward strengthening specialised healthcare services in the Upper Eastern region.
“Construction of new facilities is ongoing at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to establish a new twin tower hospital complex with modern facilities at a cost of one billion shillings,” Kindiki said.
Elevation to level 6 status
Kindiki noted that the expansion will enable the hospital to introduce highly specialised services that are currently concentrated in Nairobi-based national referral facilities.
“The expansion will see the hospital offer specialised facilities like delicate surgical procedures, cancer, heart and kidney treatment to pave way for the hospital’s elevation from the current Level 5 to Level 6, a National Teaching and Referral Hospital,” he stated.
The Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital currently operates as a Level 5 facility, serving thousands of patients from Meru and neighbouring counties. However, patients requiring advanced treatment for critical and chronic illnesses are often referred to Nairobi, increasing travel and accommodation costs for families.
“The upgraded facility will shorten journeys and cut costs for residents of Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, Marsabit and Laikipia Counties who currently have to travel to Nairobi-based Level 6 facilities for specialised treatment,” Kindiki added.
Faster access, lower costs
The Deputy President emphasised that the Sh1 billion investment will ease congestion in Nairobi hospitals while improving access to care closer to home. Once completed, the twin-tower complex is expected to expand bed capacity and house modern diagnostic units, advanced theatres and specialised treatment centres.
By decentralising services such as oncology, renal care and cardiac treatment, the government aims to reduce referral delays and improve patient outcomes across the region.
Call for timely completion
During the inspection tour, Kindiki directed contractors to fast-track construction while maintaining high quality standards.
“I have inspected construction works at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital and urged expedited but quality work and completion on schedule,” he said.
He was accompanied by Meru County Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, Deputy Governor Linda Kiome, Woman Representative Elizabeth Kailemia and Members of Parliament Rahim Dawood (Imenti North), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East) and Dorothy Muthoni (Nominated), alongside Members of the County Assembly and other leaders.
The project marks one of the most significant healthcare infrastructure upgrades in Meru County and is expected to transform the facility into a regional centre of excellence once fully operational.
