Wamuzi News Ke
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have been officially deployed to spearhead the completion of Western Kenya’s long‑abandoned flagship project — the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, a 750‑bed, Sh 6.2 billion Level‑6 facility. The bypass of typical civil construction models signals an urgent push to deliver a health infrastructure milestone by February 2026.
What Just Changed
- The Kakamega County Government has handed over the stalled hospital project to the national government, which in turn has activated a government-to-government arrangement with the Ministry of Defence to ensure swift completion.
- Under the plan, KDF engineers will take charge, supported by a funding injection of Sh 500 million from the national government and Sh 300 million from the county to finalize and equip Phase I.
- Defence PS Patrick Mariru confirmed the six‑month delivery window, emphasizing that the hospital should be fully operational by February 2026.
Why It Matters—and Why Now
- The project, inaugurated in 2016, halted in 2022 amid funding disputes and contractor withdrawal, leaving a towering shell unused for nearly three years.
- A burst of labor unrest struck in early 2025 after a fatal fall and lack of safety gear triggered protests—exposing deep site mismanagement before KDF stepped in.
What Officials Say
- Governor Fernandes Barasa joined national health and defence officials onsite, reiterating the facility’s potential to revolutionize care across Western Kenya and act as an economic anchor for neighboring counties.
- Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga confirmed the hospital will be equipped under the National Equipment Support Programme. Patients will follow a fee-for-service model—paying only after receiving care.
- Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula emphasized that the facility will not only serve local residents but also decongest neighboring referral hospitals in Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia and Trans Nzoia. Local youth will also benefit from construction‑phase job opportunities.
The Stakes Ahead
- The operational timeline is aggressive: six months to completion, with KDF managing engineering, oversight, and supporting technical coordination with contractors.
- Phase II (Sh2.01 billion) and Phase III (Sh1.78 billion) remain unfunded and untimed—raising questions about long‑term funding and delivery strategy.
- The hospital is eyed as a future centre for medical tourism and a model of public healthcare delivery under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage strategy.
What Comes Next
With KDF at the helm, the government faces an existential test: Can military precision restore a failing civil infrastructure project? Delivery hinges on seamless coordination, transparency in contracting, and managing public expectations for quality and cost. If successful, it could redefine Kenya’s approach to completing large-scale public works—particularly stalled health investments.
