Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has received investments worth Sh130 million from private sector partners to improve specialised care, including new orthopaedic beds and electric beds for patients requiring advanced treatment.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale presided over the launch and handover of refurbished and equipped hospital wards Thursday under the Adopt-a-Ward Initiative, which brings together corporate organisations and development partners to improve healthcare infrastructure.
Co-operative Bank of Kenya contributed Sh100 million, including 96 orthopaedic beds, while the Nakumatt Molo Fire Victims Fund invested Sh30 million, including 40 three-crank electric beds.
Duale thanked the partners as he acknowledged their value in enhancing healthcare.
"Their investments demonstrate how collective action can expand access to quality specialised care and accelerate the country’s UHC aspirations," Duale said.
He called on more corporates, foundations and development partners to support the health sector, urging them to align their contributions with standards set by the Ministry of Health.
The CS also emphasised the need for accountability and proper maintenance of donated equipment to ensure the investments deliver lasting benefits to patients.
He urged hospital management and implementing partners to uphold transparency, technical standards and accountability in managing the facilities.
The latest investment adds to ongoing improvements at KNH.
"These efforts are complemented by the Nest 360 Newborn Unit project, 136 modern beds and 3D printing technology at KNH, underscoring the transformative role of public-private partnerships in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC)," he said.
During a tour of the facility, Duale inspected the refurbished wards and equipment intended to strengthen the hospital's capacity to handle complex medical cases from across Kenya and the wider region.
The government is also renovating Levels Seven and Eight of the hospital as part of efforts to improve infrastructure at the country's largest referral facility.
Duale said the government remained committed to positioning KNH as a centre of specialised treatment, medical innovation, research and training.
He noted that emerging technologies could improve clinical practice and patient outcomes, urging the hospital to continue embracing innovations that strengthen service delivery.
The investments come as the government expands Primary Care Networks across all 47 counties to bring essential health services closer to communities while strengthening referral hospitals to handle complex cases.
Duale said effective referral systems were critical to ensuring patients received timely treatment, particularly during emergencies.
He pointed to the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre and the Social Health Authority's 922 Lifeline as important components of emergency response and continuity of care.
The government is pursuing Universal Health Coverage under its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, with a focus on improving access to services and strengthening health infrastructure.
KNH Board Chairperson Abbas Gullet, Chief Executive Officer Richard Lesiyampe, Prime Bank founder and chairperson Rasik Kantaria, and representatives of Co-operative Bank and Nest 360 attended the handover.
The government said it would continue working with private sector partners to strengthen healthcare facilities and build a resilient, patient-centred health system.
The Adopt-a-Ward Initiative is intended to mobilise additional resources for hospital infrastructure and equipment, complementing public investment in healthcare delivery.
