Work on the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital has resumed, with the first phase expected to be completed and operational within the next nine months, Governor Fernandes Barasa has announced.
The resumption of the Sh6.2 billion project follows renewed involvement by the national government, which has committed to funding completion of the stalled first phase.
Construction had halted three years ago, leaving one of Western Kenya’s most significant health infrastructure projects in limbo.
President William Ruto, during his recent working tour of the Western region two weeks ago, said the national government had allocated Sh2 billion to complete and equip the facility.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) engineers are overseeing the works, with funds channelled through the Ministry of Defence for payment of the new contractor, including for essential plumbing systems.
The 750-bed hospital is among the flagship projects initiated under former Governor Wycliffe Oparanya’s administration and was designed to significantly expand access to advanced healthcare in the region.
Governor Barasa, who inspected construction progress on Monday, said he was satisfied with the pace of work and confident the contractor would deliver within the stipulated period.
“The contractor will take a minimum of nine months to ensure the facility is complete. Once complete, this facility will serve Kakamega County and the larger former Western Province,” Barasa said.
He added that the hospital will be equipped with modern medical facilities, and that the decision to elevate it to national referral status aims to enhance access to specialised healthcare across Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia and neighbouring counties.
Barasa further confirmed that pending bills owed to the former contractor will be processed alongside the ongoing completion works.
“The balance of Sh350 million is currently being evaluated and will be paid once we are done. This will not interrupt the ongoing works. The balance of works will be separated from pending bills,” he said.
According to the county, separating payment of outstanding claims from current construction activities is intended to ensure all works proceed within the required timelines and without further delays.
The Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital remains one of the region’s most ambitious healthcare development projects.
Once completed, the facility will operate as both a regional referral and teaching hospital, providing specialised medical services while serving as a training centre for health professionals.
Plans for the facility include diagnostic and treatment units, operating theatres, maternal and neonatal wings, intensive care units and a medical training school.
It will also offer specialised services such as oncology, renal dialysis, trauma care and advanced surgical procedures.
County officials have expressed optimism that the hospital will ease congestion in existing facilities, support regional health needs and contribute to broader socio-economic growth by creating employment opportunities and expanding access to essential healthcare services.
The project is also expected to reduce the need for patients to seek specialised treatment outside the region once operational.
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