Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital is undergoing a major transformation, with renovated wards, upgraded patient facilities and improved public spaces.
The changes follow revenue growth driven by introduction of a cashless payment system.
The reforms come at a time when pressure is mounting for the facility to be upgraded to a Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Governor Nathif Jama, civil society groups and other stakeholders argue the move would improve access to specialised healthcare across the North Eastern region.
Hospital chief executive officer Mahat Salah said the introduction of a cashless payment system after he assumed office has significantly increased revenue by sealing loopholes associated with cash transactions.
Monthly revenue has increased from about Sh1.5 million to nearly Sh50 million since the system was introduced.
The additional income is channelled through the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF) to finance infrastructure upgrades and enhance service delivery.
The impact of the reforms is already visible across the hospital. The administration block and referral services wing have been refurbished.
New visitor waiting bays have been constructed, walkways have been upgraded and security grills have been installed. Landscaping works, including cabro-paved walkways and a water fountain, have also given the hospital a facelift.
Renovations have also extended to patient wards. Works on the male medical Ward One have been completed, while Ward Two is currently being upgraded to accommodate an eight-bed High Dependency Unit (HDU) alongside a 60-bed male surgical ward.
The refurbishment of the female medical and female surgical wards is expected to begin once the current phase is completed.
"Our goal was simple — protect every shilling collected and invest it where it matters most: patient care. The results are now visible throughout the hospital, and this is only the beginning," Mahat said in an interview in his office.
The ongoing improvements are expected to strengthen the hospital's case for elevation to a Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Earlier this month, Jama renewed calls for the national government to upgrade the facility, saying the move would unlock additional funding, attract specialised medical personnel and expand opportunities for medical training and research.
Speaking during a visit to the hospital, the governor said a Level 6 facility would reduce the need for patients from Garissa and neighbouring counties to travel long distances in search of specialised treatment.
He noted that the hospital serves not only Garissa county but also much of the wider North Eastern region, making its expansion a regional healthcare priority.
The governor also welcomed the national government's support for the ongoing upgrade of Balambala Subcounty Hospital to a Level 5 facility, describing it as an important step towards improving access to quality healthcare.
The push to elevate Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital has also received backing from civil society organisations.
Last week, the Garissa County Human Rights Defenders Network said upgrading the hospital would strengthen emergency response and referral systems while improving access to specialised care for patients across the region.
Network coordinator Muktar Dahir said the proposed elevation would enhance the management of maternal and child health emergencies, road traffic injuries and other critical cases requiring advanced medical care.
He described the proposal as a strategic investment that would improve healthcare access while contributing to the socio-economic development of Garissa and the wider North Eastern region.
Hospital Chief Executive Officer Mahat Salah in one of the wards./STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Mahat Salah, in one of the wards./STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
