The construction of the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital is nearing completion, with Governor Fernandes Barasa expressing confidence that the 750-bed Level Six facility will be delivered within the next five months.
The governor made the remarks after inspecting ongoing construction works at the hospital, which is being implemented through a partnership between the Kakamega County Government and the National Government.
“Inspected the ongoing construction works at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, a project we are implementing in collaboration with the National Government. Steady progress has been made, and we remain focused on delivering the 750-bed facility within the next five months,” Barasa said.
A major boost for Western Kenya healthcare
Once complete, the 750-bed facility is expected to significantly enhance healthcare services not only in Kakamega County but across the wider Western Kenya region.
The Level Six classification places the hospital among top-tier referral facilities in the country, meaning it will be equipped to handle specialized treatment, advanced diagnostics, and complex medical procedures that often require referrals to national hospitals in Nairobi or Eldoret.
The project is designed to reduce patient congestion in existing facilities while expanding access to quality healthcare closer to residents.
Governor Barasa emphasized that the county administration remains committed to ensuring the project is completed within the stipulated timeline, noting that visible progress has already been achieved on site.
Collaboration with the National Government
The hospital project represents a joint investment between the county and national governments, highlighting intergovernmental cooperation in strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
Barasa underscored the importance of the partnership, noting that collaboration has been key in driving the project forward.
The facility is expected to include modern wards, specialized units, improved maternity services, and enhanced emergency care capacity. Upon completion, it will also serve as a teaching and referral hospital, supporting medical training and research while improving service delivery.
Transforming access to specialized care
Residents of Kakamega and neighboring counties have long relied on distant referral hospitals for specialized treatment. The completion of the Level Six hospital is anticipated to ease that burden by providing advanced care within the region.
With the five-month completion target now set, attention shifts to final construction works, equipping of the facility, and operational readiness planning.
If delivered on schedule, the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital will mark one of the largest healthcare infrastructure projects in the region and a significant milestone in expanding access to quality medical services in Western Kenya.
