Hospital upgrade reshapes healthcare delivery in Lamu

 Lab technicians in operation at Lamu’s King Fahd hospital private wing on January 25, 2026.

The establishment of a private wing at King Fahd County Referral Hospital is reshaping healthcare delivery in Lamu, residents have said.

This marks a major upgrade at the region’s largest public health facility.

The Sh22 million facility, named Timamy Suites, was built by the Lamu government and opened by Health CS Aden Duale on July 3 last year.

It introduces private hospital standards into a public referral facility, a first for the county.

The wing features five modern, self-contained patient rooms equipped with quality hospital beds, modern hospital equipment, indoor toilets and showers.

There is also a spacious acute care room for patients requiring close monitoring and regular medical review.

Additionally, there are sofa sets for overnight visitors, televisions and free Wi-Fi.

Lamu residents said the upgrade has transformed the image and appeal of King Fahd Hospital.

Lamu elder Muhashiam Irei noted that since the private wing was introduced seven months ago, the hospital has started attracting patients from all social classes.

“The private wing is attracting people of all classes. We are even seeing tycoons seeking treatment at King Fahd, which was unheard of in the past. The overall infrastructure has also improved,” Irei said.

Patients have also praised the quality of care and comfort.

Khadija Yusuf, who was recently discharged from the private wing, said the experience rivalled that of top private hospitals in the country.

“I thought I was at Pandya, Aga Khan or Mombasa Hospital, only to realise I was at King Fahd. The environment is clean, the food is good and the medics are friendly. That comfort helped me recover quickly,” she said.

Health workers report rising demand, including from tourists.

A nurse at the facility, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the wing receives between three and five patients daily, ranging from residents to visitors from Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Malindi, Tana River and international tourists staying in Lamu.

Governor Timamy has said the private wing was designed to generate revenue from patients who can afford enhanced services, with the funds redirected to improve care for the wider population.

“The money raised from those who can pay will support poor and vulnerable residents by improving services in our public hospitals,” he said.

Lamu health executive Mbarak Bahjaj said the model is yielding results.

Since becoming operational last year, Timamy Suites has generated nearly Sh2 million, all channelled to medical supplies for the main hospital pharmacy.

Patients in the private wing pay Sh6,000 per day, a subsidised rate compared to most private hospitals. Those registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) pay about Sh3,000, with the balance covered by SHA, while patients with private insurance pay nothing.

“In the normal private facilities we know in the country, patients normally pay not less than Sh10,000 per day. At our King Fahd Private wing, we’ve subsidised payments to Sh6,000 per day only. SHA will pay Sh3,000 and individuals required to clear the other Sh3,000. But if you have private insurance, it means everything will be cleared. You won’t pay anything,” Bahjaj said.

“The services here are better than those offered by many private hospitals in Kenya.”

He said their major aim of establishing the private wing within King Fahd County Referral Public Hospital is to ensure income generated is used for the maintenance and upgrade of hospital equipment and general infrastructure.

The income supports equipment maintenance, infrastructure upgrades and overall service quality. This in turn, helps to bring benefits to the general population, he said.

“Our private wing at King Fahd, dubbed ‘TimamySuites’ provides a middle-ground option for patients who can pay more for better comfort and speed, but can’t afford fully private hospital prices,” Bahjaj said.

He stressed that doctors serve the public and private wings, while nursing and support staff are separate, ensuring equity in access to care.

Instant analysis

The establishment of Timamy Suites marks a strategic shift in how Lamu county is financing and delivering public healthcare. By integrating private-level services within a public referral hospital, the county is expanding access, retaining higher-income patients locally, and generating revenue to strengthen the wider health system.