Ruto gazettes Mwai Kibaki Hospital as independent Level Six facility

President William Ruto has announced major reforms and fresh investment at the Mwai Kibaki Hospital in Othaya, declaring it an independent Level Six facility as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in Nyeri County and the wider Mt Kenya region.

Speaking in Othaya during the official opening and dedication of ACK St Paul’s Kariki Plaza, the President said the decision followed consultations with local leaders who impressed upon him the need to elevate the hospital’s status and capacity.

“These leaders came to visit me and we agreed that Mwai Kibaki Hospital in Othaya be an independent hospital and that is why we have created a board and gazetted it as an independent Level Six hospital,” President Ruto said.

The move formally separates the facility from previous administrative arrangements, giving it greater autonomy in governance, planning and service delivery.

Level Six hospitals are the highest referral facilities in Kenya’s public health system and are expected to offer specialised and advanced medical services.

The President also announced significant investment in modern medical equipment, saying the government had already injected Sh1 billion to upgrade the hospital’s capacity.

He said the investment would enhance diagnostic and treatment services, reducing the need for patients to seek care outside the region.

“I can confidently tell you now that apart from everything we are doing, we have added equipment worth Sh1 billion,” he said.

In addition to the equipment upgrade, the President revealed plans for major infrastructure expansion at the facility.

He said architectural designs for new developments are complete and that a contractor will soon be on site to commence construction works.

“The designs are ready and the contractor will come so we can start the construction in honour of our Third president so it can cater for the needs of the people of this place,” Ruto said.

The hospital is named after the late former President Mwai Kibaki, who hailed from Othaya and is credited with expanding access to education, infrastructure and healthcare during his tenure.

The planned expansion, Ruto said, is intended both to honour Kibaki’s legacy and to ensure residents of Nyeri and neighbouring counties access quality healthcare closer to home.

The President’s remarks come amid broader government efforts to upgrade healthcare infrastructure across the country, including the elevation of select hospitals to referral status and increased investment in equipment and human resources.

President Ruto reiterated that the government remains committed to strengthening public health facilities and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services for all Kenyans.