NGPU
January 28, 2025
Bringing Healthcare Home, Nakuru County Boldly Banks on Rural Care
Written by Grace Wamaitha
Key Highlights:
- Struggles for healthcare access in rural areas
- Community Voices and Anticipation
- Transformative Impact of Devolution
- County Government Interventions
- Alignment with National Goals
Decades of Struggles for Healthcare Access in Subukia
For years, residents of Subukia in Nakuru County have faced challenges with accessing healthcare. The absence of nearby medical facilities meant families had to endure long, costly journeys to Nakuru Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital. For many, this distance translated to delays in receiving critical care, worsening health conditions and, in some cases, leading to preventable fatalities.
Mary Waithera, a 53-year-old resident of Subukia, cannot contain her excitement. “I can’t wait for this hospital to open. We’ve been travelling to Nakuru town for treatment. This will save us time,” she says.
Similarly, James Mwangi, a farmer, cannot hide his joy. “We are so grateful for healthcare coming to our doorsteps. For years, we have been taking herbal medicine to ease the pain before we get to the hospital, which was miles away,” he says.
Community Efforts to Overcome the Challenges
Over the years, Subukia residents have sought ways to reduce these challenges. Community members organized fundraisers to assist patients needing urgent care, Still, these measures were temporary solutions that highlighted the desperate need for accessible healthcare infrastructure in the area.
Local advocacy also played a crucial role, Subukia residents repeatedly appealed to county leaders, emphasizing the need for a healthcare facility closer to home. Their persistence eventually caught the attention of county officials, setting the stage for transformative change.
County Government Steps In
Recognizing the healthcare gap, Nakuru County’s leadership is prioritizing healthcare development under the devolved system of governance introduced by Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
Article 43 (1) guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest attainable standard of health, while
Article 56 emphasizes affirmative action to ensure that marginalised groups have reasonable access to health services.
Governor Susan Kihika’s administration is making significant strides to improve healthcare services.
In an interview, she said her vision is to build, equip and upgrade health facilities to provide quality care close to people.
The county government’s response included several strategic initiatives
Construction of Subukia Level 4 Hospital at a cost of Kshs. 120 million, this facility is nearing completion. Once operational, it will bring essential healthcare services directly to Subukia residents, saving them time and money.
“This hospital is one of many we are investing into bringing high-quality healthcare to every corner of Nakuru County,” the Governor said while speaking during a tour at Subukia.
In addition to Subukia Hospital, the county is building the Rongai Level 4 Hospital at a cost of Kshs. 249.8 million. The 90-bed facility, set to be completed in two years, will include consultation rooms, advanced laboratories, an accident and emergency unit, X-ray services, a pharmacy, and two operating theatres.
In Kiptororo, Kuresoi North Level 4 Hospital is also being constructed at a cost of Kshs. 248.2 million. These projects are not just about infrastructure, they are about addressing years of neglect in rural healthcare.
The Olenguruone level 4 Health Centre is also receiving an outpatient unit upgrade the county is also modernizing other facilities, such as the Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital, which is set to get a Sh330 million outpatient complex.
These efforts align with Kenya Vision 2030’s health pillar, which supports the Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring good health and well-being for all. The focus is on improving maternal and child health, controlling infectious diseases, and combating non-communicable diseases.
The Impact and Remaining Challenges
Residents have already begun to feel the positive impact of these developments. Mary Waithera expressed her excitement about the Subukia Hospital: “I can’t wait for this hospital to open. It will save us so much time and money.”
Similarly, Lucy Mwangi a person living with disability noted that the improvement is more than just a convenience but is also a step toward dignity and inclusivity.
The strategic location of Rongai Level 4 Hospital near the Salgaa blackspot has also raised hopes among residents like Jane Cherono, a shop owner in the area.
“We’ve seen so many accidents on this road. Now, people can get treated immediately instead of waiting too long. This will save lives,” says Jane.
Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital (NCTRH) serves over 50% of its patients daily from outside Nakuru County, including neighbouring counties like Baringo, Kericho, and Samburu. This has led to overcrowding, making it difficult to deliver timely care.
However, challenges remain. While the infrastructure is promising, ensuring that the new facilities are well-staffed and equipped will be critical. Additionally, public awareness campaigns are needed to educate residents about available services and how to access them.
By building and upgrading sub-county hospitals, Nakuru County is decentralizing healthcare services. Currently, the county manages 184 health facilities.
The ongoing projects in Nakuru County demonstrate how devolution can transform lives. By investing in healthcare infrastructure, the county is addressing long-standing challenges and ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and inclusive.
For residents like Mary Waithera, Lucy Mwangi, Jane Cherono and James Mwangi, these hospitals represent more than just buildings. They are lifelines, a promise of a better, healthier future.
