Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Monday inspected ongoing construction works at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, urging contractors to expedite completion while upholding high-quality standards.
The Sh1 billion project involves a new twin-tower complex, a major milestone in healthcare delivery for Upper Eastern Kenya. Once complete, the hospital will be elevated from its current Level 5 status to a Level 6 National Teaching and Referral Hospital, bringing specialised medical services closer to residents.
The expansion will introduce modern facilities capable of supporting delicate surgical procedures, cancer treatment, and kidney care. The upgrade is expected to reduce the need for patients from Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Laikipia counties to travel to Nairobi-based Level 6 hospitals for critical and chronic illnesses.
“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,” the Deputy President’s statement said.
The inspection was attended by Meru County Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, Deputy Governor Linda Kiome, Woman Representative Elizabeth Kailemia, MPs Rahim Dawood (Imenti North), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), MCAs, and other leaders, highlighting the significance of the project.
The twin-tower complex is designed to host modern equipment and specialised units, aligning with the government’s agenda to decentralise healthcare and ensure equitable access to advanced medical services. Once completed, the hospital will also function as a teaching institution, strengthening medical training and research in the region.
The project is expected to transform Meru into a regional medical hub, easing the burden on patients and improving healthcare outcomes across Upper Eastern Kenya.
