Gov't Unveils New Prisons Hospital Ahead of Ruto Commissioning [Photos]

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

President William Ruto is set to commission the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level 4 Hospital in Ruiru on Monday, August 24.

In a statement on Thursday, August 20, the State Department for Correctional Services said the facility has been operational since March, when it began offering outpatient services.

"The commissioning of the facility, located at the Kenya Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, comes after the hospital launched outpatient services following its operationalization in March," the statement read.

The State Department said the hospital was established in line with a directive issued by President Ruto during a Kenya Prisons Service recruits’ pass-out parade earlier this year.

"The operationalization of the ultra-modern 150-bed-capacity Level 4 hospital is in direct compliance with a Presidential directive issued during the February pass-out parade for recruits of the Kenya Prisons Service," the statement added.

Read More

The 150-bed facility is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services within the correctional system, with its operations expected to mirror those of hospitals serving members of the Kenya Defence Forces.

"The state-of-the-art facility is expected to operate along similar lines to hospitals serving the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), providing comprehensive healthcare services to correctional services officers, inmates and the surrounding community," the statement further read.

The State Department further said the hospital has been integrated with the Social Health Authority’s Usalama Cover Public Officers Medical Scheme, allowing officers and their dependents to access a wide range of medical services.

"The facility has already been integrated with the Social Health Authority’s Usalama Cover Public Officers Medical Scheme, which will provide comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, maternity, specialized care and emergency evacuation services for officers within the State Department and their dependents," the statement noted.

The State Department said following its official commissioning, the hospital will also be opened to members of the public.

"Following the commissioning, the hospital will open its doors to the public, marking a significant step towards expanding access to quality healthcare services beyond the correctional services fraternity.

"The facility is expected to strengthen healthcare provision within the correctional services while supporting the Government’s broader agenda of improving access to quality and affordable healthcare for all Kenyans," the statement added.

According to the State Department, the hospital is equipped with several specialized units and wards intended to provide a broad range of medical services, including critical care, maternity and paediatric services.

"The hospital boasts key sections, including an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), Radiology Unit, Dental Unit, maternity wing, male and female wards, and a paediatric ward.

"It will also offer a range of specialized services, including dental and renal services," the statement concluded.

This comes a week after Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo issued an update on the ongoing expansion of Kenneth Matiba Hospital in Murang'a County.

In a statement on Thursday, August 13, he said the hospital is being upgraded from a 20-bed facility to a modern 100-bed Level 4 referral hospital.

Omollo noted that the facility will be equipped with a trauma centre, doctors' plaza, specialized clinics and expanded inpatient wards.

"The upgrade will expand the hospital from a 20-bed facility to a modern 100-bed Level 4 referral hospital, complete with a trauma centre, doctors' plaza, specialised clinics and expanded inpatient wards," the statement read in part.

The project, implemented by the national government, is being constructed under the direct supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

According to Omollo, the Kenneth Matiba Hospital will operate round the clock once completed.

"The hospital will operate round the clock, providing comprehensive specialised healthcare and easing pressure on neighbouring referral facilities," the statement added.

Further, Omollo said the expansion of the facility demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) while honoring the enduring legacy of Kenneth Matiba.

"The ongoing expansion of Kenneth Matiba Hospital demonstrates this commitment while honouring the enduring legacy of Kenneth Matiba, whose profound sacrifices for Kenya's democracy and visionary public leadership continue to inspire the nation," the statement concluded.

Reporting originally appeared via Nairobi Leo. Read the full source for additional context.