Mwai Kibaki Hospital on track to become fully-fledged Level 6 facility
Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital board chairperson Retired General Robert Kibochi--flanked by members of the National Assembly's Health Committee and board officials--addressing the media on April 25, 2025. Photo/James Murimi
Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital is on course to becoming a fully operational Level 6 facility, according to the hospital’s board Chairman, Retired General Robert Kibochi.
Speaking during a visit by the National Assembly Committee on Health on Friday, Rtd Kibochi said the hospital is currently in a transition phase, but aims to fully operationalise its services under the board’s 2025/2030 Strategic Plan.
“We expect specialised medical care to be referred here once the transition is complete. This facility will be of immense benefit to the country when we attain full Level 6 status,” he said.
The hospital, located in Othaya, was gazetted as an independent parastatal in 2024 and delinked from Kenyatta National Hospital, allowing it to establish its own board and budget.
Vice Chairperson of the Health Committee and Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene emphasized the national importance of the facility.
“This is no longer a hospital for Othaya or Nyeri alone; it is a national referral hospital,” Mr Munene stated.
“We are here to affirm that the government is committed to ensuring this hospital functions fully as a Level 6 facility.”
The MP acknowledged existing challenges, including a shortage of equipment and staff, but reaffirmed the government’s resolve to support the hospital.
He also praised Nyeri County for leading in registration under the Social Health Assurance (SHA) programme.
“I want to assure Kenyans that the SHA programme is working. While there may be teething problems, we urge citizens to embrace and utilise it,” he added.
Committee members Mary Maingi (MP Mwea), Martin Wanyonyi (Webuye East), and Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina accompanied Munene on the tour.
Ms Maingi noted that the committee would review the national health budget to ensure adequate resources are allocated for the hospital’s development.
“This is a unique and vital facility in the Mt Kenya region. We are committed to ensuring it receives the necessary support,” Maingi said.
Mr Wainaina emphasized that the visit was a follow-up to President William Ruto’s earlier tour of the facility, where he issued a directive for its progress to be monitored.
The hospital, formerly known as Othaya Level 6 Hospital, was renamed in 2018 in honour of the late President Mwai Kibaki.
It is a Sh1 billion project that took over eight(8) years to complete and is now under the national government’s management.
During its elevation, President Ruto said the move would help bolster the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) strategy.
“The elevation of this facility will ensure it is fully equipped to play its rightful role in delivering Universal Health Coverage,” the President stated.
