Ruto Deploys KDF to Build Kenya’s Largest 4,000-Bed Hospital in Eldoret
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will lead the first phase of construction of a 4,000 bed Multi-Specialty Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, the biggest healthcare investment in Kenya so far.
This was announced on Monday, November 3 during a high level meeting co-chaired by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya. The meeting was to discuss coordination between the two ministries to fast track implementation of major health projects across the country.
According to a joint statement from the Ministry of Health, the KDF led phase will deliver 2,000 beds by April 2027. The hospital located on 200 acres in Kiplombe, Uasin Gishu County will have 60 ICU beds and be a centre for specialized and affordable medical services.
“This is a fully funded government project and a game changer in specialized healthcare and a big milestone in Kenya’s journey to Universal Health Coverage (UHC,” the statement read.
The two ministries also reviewed progress on several regional health projects. Among them is the planned renovation and expansion of Balambala Sub-County Hospital in Garissa County which will offer advanced surgical and diagnostic services once completed.
Others are Mama Rachel Ruto Hospital, J.M. Kariuki Hospital, Kenneth Matiba Hospital, Meru Hospital, Githunguri Hospital, Keroka Hospital and several county referral hospitals. The government said these projects are part of the Taifa Care Model to ensure equal access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans.
The involvement of KDF in civilian infrastructure projects is a sign of the government’s increasing reliance on the military’s logistical and engineering capacity to deliver stalled public works.
Earlier this year the Defence Ministry announced similar plans in Nakuru County where KDF will complete Afraha and Olenguruone stadiums and finalize the long delayed Trauma Centre at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“These projects show how inter-ministerial collaboration can deliver services to Kenyans,” the ministries said in the joint statement.
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Ruto Deploys KDF to Build Kenya’s Largest 4,000-Bed Hospital in Eldoret