Healthcare services in Kilifi county have received a significant boost following the completion of an ultramodern Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency Unit and theatre block at Malindi Referral Hospital.
The facility, constructed by the Coast Development Authority, cost Sh50 million to build, with an additional Sh90 million set aside for equipment, bringing the total investment to Sh140 million.
The project is jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the Italian Government, which also provided support for the upcoming equipping phase ahead of its expected operational launch in December.
East African Community, Asals and regional development CS Beatrice Askul officially commissioned the project and handed it over to the Kilifi County Government through Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule.
The CS led an inspection tour of the new eight-bed facility, visiting key areas including the theatre, recovery and preparation rooms to ensure compliance with medical standards before officially handing it over to the hospital management.
Speaking during the event, CS Askul described the project as “a major milestone in transforming healthcare delivery in the North Coast region”.
“The project is now complete and will soon be equipped to provide ICU, HDU and surgical services. This handover ensures that the facility can now be utilised to serve the people,” she said.
She lauded the collaboration between the national and county governments, terming it a demonstration of what can be achieved through effective partnership.
“This milestone clearly shows what both levels of government can achieve when working together for the good of our people,” she added.
EAC Principal Secretary Kello Harsama confirmed that through the Kenya-Italy partnership, about Sh140 million was mobilised for both construction and equipment.
“We sincerely thank the Italian government for their continued support,” said the PS.
Deputy Governor Chibule hailed the project as a fulfillment of Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s promise to enhance access to quality healthcare.
“This project is proof of our county’s commitment to improving health services. It will serve not only Kilifi residents but also patients from neighbouring counties,” she said.
She added that the facility is expected to be fully equipped and operational by December, coinciding with the Jamhuri Day celebrations, noting that its proximity to the tourism zone could promote medical tourism in the region.
CDA acting managing director Dr Mwasiti Bendera noted that the facility will serve patients from Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu and Garissa counties who previously had to travel long distances for specialised care.
“The project was implemented in two phases; the first covering the ground floor and the second comprising the upper floor, which houses the ICU and theatre sections. The unit will accommodate eight beds,” Bendera said.
The commissioning of the facility marks a major step in strengthening specialised healthcare in Kilifi county, reducing the need for long-distance referrals for critical cases.
