In a major stride toward boosting healthcare access in the Upper Eastern region, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki today officially launched the much awaited elevation of the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to a Level 6 facility.
Speaking at the hospital during ground breaking ceremony, Kindiki said the move marked the beginning of a transformative project that promises to ease the medical burden for millions in Meru and the neighboring counties.
He said the elevation fulfills a commitment made by President William Ruto during a recent tour of the region.
Prof. Kindiki who later also addressed a mammoth crowd at Makutano in Meru town emphasized that the national government had prioritized the project with strict timelines and full commitment to deliver within a year.
“The President has sent me here today, and I have come with the contractor to begin the construction work. He also ordered this to be done within a year so the people can receive treatment here,” said the Deputy President.
The Meru hospital, currently operating as a Level 5 facility under the county government, will now transition to national government management.
This will elevate it to the ranks of other premier health institutions like Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), offering specialized services and receiving direct funding from the national exchequer.
“The elevation of this hospital to Level 6 is not just a status symbol, it’s a consequential achievement for the people of this region. It means better facilities, more specialized doctors, and less suffering for patients who have had to travel to Nairobi or Eldoret for critical care,” he noted.
The Deputy President expressed gratitude to the local leadership for uniting behind the cause and praised the military’s involvement in ensuring high quality and timely infrastructure development.
“The Department of Defence will supervise the contractor, and they have been doing a commendable job across the country. Our military isn’t just for security; it’s a national asset that is helping us build bridges, roads, and now hospitals,” he noted.
The second in command further noted that once complete, the upgraded facility will offer cutting edge services including oncology (cancer treatment), nephrology (kidney dialysis), cardiology (heart disease treatment), and intensive care units previously unavailable within reasonable proximity to residents of Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Laikipia counties.
“With this upgrade, there will be no more justification for patients to travel to the capital for specialized treatment. Everything will be available right here,” Kindiki assured the crowd.
He also urged residents to continue registering for the Social Health Authority (SHA) cover, highlighting its critical role in delivering universal healthcare to Kenyans regardless of income or location.
“SHA is a game changer. Unlike NHIF, which excluded many Kenyans, SHA is inclusive and accessible. Already, 25.2 million Kenyans have registered. Our goal is to cover 55 million people,” he said.
Kindiki also gave an update on another major infrastructure project affecting the region, the long awaited redesign and reconstruction of the Nithi Bridge.
“This is not just a bridge for Tharaka Nithi; it’s a national project that connects key parts of our country. The government has allocated Sh 7 billion and the project has already been tendered. Work will begin before the end of this year,” he noted.
The DP also drummed up support for his boss president William Ruto re-election bid saying their development track records are unmatchable.
He hit at the opposition saying they are just enemies of developments warning residents against falling into their trap.
“We know we have worked and delivered. Our track record will automatically get us in for another term. Those others are just noise makers who have no agenda ,” said kindiki.
The announcement was met with applause from local leaders and residents who have for years lobbied for the bridge’s expansion to address safety and congestion concerns.
Governor Isaac Mutuma backed the DP thanking the national government for prioritizing Meru’s development and reiterated his administration’s readiness to cooperate for the success of the hospital upgrade.
“This is a historic day for Meru. We thank the President and Deputy President for keeping their promise. The people of Meru will now enjoy quality healthcare close to home,” he said.
Other leaders present included area MP Rahim Dawood, John Paul Mwirigi, Mugambi Rindikile and Mpuru Aburi who are Igembe South, Buuri and Tigania East MPs respectively, local MCAs, and community representatives, who pledged continued support for national government initiatives that directly benefit citizens.
As the groundbreaking ceremony concluded, Rahim called on residents to guard the project jealously and offer their support to ensure its timely and successful completion.
“This is your hospital. Take pride in it, protect it, and support the work. It is part of a broader vision to transform healthcare and infrastructure in every corner of this country,” said Rahim.
Rahim noted that the elevation of Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital marks a significant step toward equitable healthcare access and is expected to drastically reduce the medical costs and travel burden on thousands of families in the region.
The legislator said the involvement of the military and strict timelines set by the President himself, all eyes are now on Meru as it gears up to become a regional healthcare hub.
