The County Government of Machakos is moving to establish a teaching and referral hospital through a public-private partnership aimed at equipping facilities across the county with modern medical technology.
Construction of the Muindi Mbingu Teaching and Referral Hospital at the New Machakos City grounds has reached the second floor, marking a key step in the county’s plan to reduce referrals outside the county.
On Tuesday, Governor Wavinya Ndeti flagged off new theatre, laboratory, and ICU equipment to Matuu, Mwala, Kangundo, and Machakos Level 5 hospitals. She also launched International Nurses Week at Machakos Level 5 Hospital.
The equipment rollout is the first phase of a broader initiative to strengthen diagnostic and treatment capacity at county facilities.
Sunview Medipro Director of Strategy Joe Maina, who is one of the partners, described it as a “significant milestone in the transformation of health care in Machakos.”
Health CECM Justus Kasivu said the county had commissioned a 128-slice state-of-the-art CT scan and modern operating theatres.
“Our partners have started capacity building. Most staff have been trained. Equipment will be spread to all facilities,” he said.
The new technology includes an advanced CT scanner capable of cardio-scans “with absolute clarity,” fully equipped operating theatres, and an anaesthesia workstation. The county lab is ISO certified, with capacity expanded from 16 to 28 and now 128 slides.
Matuu, Mwala, Kangundo, and Machakos hospitals will receive CT scans and lab equipment. The county also plans to upgrade Matuu Level 4 to a Level 5 hospital and has built a new radiology unit.
Speaking during the Nurses Week launch, whose theme was _“Our nurses, our future. Empowered nurses save lives,”_ Governor Wavinya praised health workers for improved service delivery.
“We used to have a lot of complaints, but now everyone coming to Machakos is commending you,” she said. “All the other counties are coming to Machakos for treatment. In fact, our nurses are overworked. That’s why I’m employing more.”
The governor acknowledged that many nurses were leaving for jobs abroad but noted they were remitting funds home. “Only that I’m losing my nurses who fly out, but they are also remitting funds back home,” she said.
Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi noted that over 200 nurses had gone abroad in the past two months. “You are international, and that shows there are standards in Machakos. You are doing great,” he said.
Machakos County has over 103,000 nurses.
Governor Wavinya said her administration was addressing promotions and risk allowances. She added that constant medical supply was a priority “because when there are no drugs to give to patients, that affects you psychologically.” She also announced that more equipment would be launched for Level 2, 3, and 4 facilities.
Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said the county was “moving towards Machakos being a teaching and referral hospital.”
“Our people have been moving to India, but soon medical tourism will be in Machakos,” he said.
Governor Wavinya described the equipment launch as a milestone toward “more responsive health care” and universal health coverage. She cited an “enduring partnership between national government and county” and pledged adequate and sustainable budget allocation for health.
“Every shilling allocated to healthcare translates to a measurable outcome. We need accountability and proper stewardship to ensure quality, affordable services within reach,” she said.
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She emphasised that the goal is timely medical care closer to home.
“I am building a teaching and referral hospital in the mould of Kenyatta National Hospital, not for the benefit of Machakos but for the good of Kenya.
Our citizens are our priority,” said Governor Wavinya.
By Stephen Muthini.
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