Imagine a Kenya where every citizen, regardless of their location, has access to specialized healthcare without the burden of long-distance travel. This vision is closer than you think, thanks to groundbreaking plans between Kenya and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to establish Level VI Referral and Teaching Hospitals in Bungoma and Kericho counties. But here's where it gets controversial: can these ambitious projects truly decentralize healthcare and decongest national hospitals, or will they face challenges in implementation and sustainability? Let’s dive in.
On December 15, 2025, in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale met with an AfDB delegation led by Dr. Alex Mubiru to advance two critical health initiatives. These projects aim to fast-track Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by addressing pressing issues like the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, trauma cases, and medical emergencies. The proposed hospitals are designed to bring specialized care closer to communities, reducing the need for long-distance referrals and easing pressure on national facilities.
And this is the part most people miss: the AfDB’s program isn’t just about building hospitals; it’s a holistic, systems-based approach. It integrates specialized service delivery, health workforce development, health systems strengthening, and robust program management to ensure long-term impact. Hon. Duale praised the AfDB team for this comprehensive design, which aligns with Kenya’s broader health agenda.
Following a review of the draft aide-mémoire, both parties are now tackling outstanding technical issues. The Cabinet Secretary has requested AfDB’s support for feasibility studies, potentially leveraging the East African Kidney Institute (EAKI) loan facility, and urged an expedited appraisal and approval process. The goal? To complete this phase before March 2026, in line with Presidential priorities.
These projects are not standalone efforts; they directly support President Dr. William Samoei Ruto’s health agenda, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and Kenya Vision 2030. They emphasize strengthening primary healthcare, expanding access to specialized services, modernizing infrastructure, and promoting equity in healthcare delivery across regions.
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its role as the executing agency, committing to sound governance, accountability, climate-smart and gender-responsive planning, and sustainable financing. AfDB remains a key partner in this transformative journey, ensuring Kenya can deliver quality, accessible healthcare for all.
But here’s the question that sparks debate: While the initiatives sound promising, how will Kenya ensure equitable distribution of resources and avoid potential disparities between regions? And can these hospitals truly withstand the test of time, given the complexities of healthcare systems? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Accompanying the Cabinet Secretary were Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director-General for Health, and senior Ministry officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to turning this vision into reality. As Kenya takes bold steps toward UHC, one thing is clear: the future of healthcare in the country is not just about building hospitals—it’s about building a healthier, more equitable nation for all.
