Residents of Igembe South and neighbouring areas could soon access more specialised medical services closer to home following plans to expand Nyambene Level 4 Hospital and prepare it for elevation to a higher level of care.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the plans on Thursday, September 17, 2026, after inspecting ongoing construction works at the Maua-based facility.
The government has set aside Sh100 million for the expansion, which is expected to increase the hospital’s capacity to handle specialised cases and reduce referrals to distant facilities.
Kindiki said the upgrade will also be accompanied by the installation of modern diagnostic equipment through the National Equipment Support Programme (NESP), with the machines expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
New equipment to strengthen diagnosis
The planned equipment is expected to improve the hospital’s ability to detect and manage illnesses, including serious conditions such as cancer.
Kindiki said stronger diagnostic capacity would allow medical teams to identify diseases earlier and enable patients to begin treatment without travelling to Nairobi or other distant referral centres.
“The expansion and new equipment are expected to boost the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and treat patients, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to other facilities for specialised services,” he said.
The government is also expected to assess the hospital for elevation to Level 5 status once the current construction works are completed.
According to Kindiki, the move would give Nyambene a larger role in handling specialised cases within the region.
Nyambene to strengthen Meru referral network
The proposed elevation is also linked to changes planned at Meru Level 5 Hospital, which Kindiki said is expected to transition to Level 6 National Teaching and Referral Hospital status next year.
Under the planned arrangement, Nyambene would assume a greater referral role for patients from Igembe South and neighbouring constituencies.
Kindiki said the development would strengthen the healthcare referral network across Meru and the wider Mt Kenya East region.
“The planned elevation of Nyambene Hospital to Level 5 will further enhance its role as a key referral facility in the region and boost healthcare services,” he said.
The expansion is therefore expected to serve not only residents around Maua but also patients from surrounding areas who currently depend on higher-level hospitals for specialised services.
Government warns against delays
During his inspection, Kindiki directed contractors to adhere to the agreed timelines and ensure the project meets the required standards.
He warned that the government would closely monitor the work to ensure the Sh100 million investment delivers the intended services.
“I am warning the contractors and those involved in this project that the government will closely monitor and ensure the Sh100 million investment delivers the intended services to the people,” he said.
The focus on completion comes as the government seeks to expand healthcare infrastructure and increase access to modern medical technology outside major urban centres.
Kindiki said equipping hospitals with modern diagnostic machines, medicines and other resources was part of efforts to bring quality healthcare closer to communities.
“This expansion comes at a time when the government is seeking to increase access to quality healthcare by upgrading facilities and equipping hospitals with modern medical technology, drugs and diagnostic equipment,” he said.
Once completed and equipped, Nyambene Hospital is expected to provide a broader range of specialised services and play a larger role in the referral system serving Meru and neighbouring areas.
