Health Cabinet Secretary Aden DualeThe Rumuruti Mission Hospital (RMH) has officially been launched in Laikipia County, marking a major milestone in expanding healthcare access to rural communities in the Rift Valley region.
The launch was presided over by the Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, in the company of his Tourism and Wildlife counterpart Rebecca Miano.
The hospital, built by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Health Board, marks the culmination of a week-long medical outreach initiative that saw more than 2,000 community members receive health checks.
RMH becomes the fourth mission hospital under the PCEA in the region, joining PCEA Kikuyu (Central), Tumutumu (Mount Kenya), and Chogoria (Eastern).
Strategically situated in Rumuruti, the new facility is expected to deliver affordable and quality healthcare services to the surrounding population, while also serving as a hub for ongoing medical outreach.
The development reflects the continued efforts of Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in supporting the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The Health Cabinet Secretary underscored the importance of FBOs in the national health landscape, noting that they manage nearly 30% of all health facilities in the country.
“The Taifa care model prioritises strengthening primary healthcare and ensuring quality services reach every Kenyan,” he said.
He also emphasized the benefits provided under the Social Health Authority (SHA), which include access to maternal care, dialysis, and treatment for emergency, chronic, and critical illnesses.
These services are aimed at ensuring every Kenyan, regardless of location or income, can receive quality healthcare.
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding public resources within the SHA framework. He warned that healthcare providers found engaging in fraudulent claims would face strict action, citing ongoing reforms meant to uphold the integrity of the health system.
The government also reiterated its support for vulnerable populations through SHA, following President William Ruto’s directive to fully cover contributions for 1.5 million indigent Kenyans in all 47 counties.
Additionally, governors and members of parliament will support an additional one million people, contributing further toward universal access to care.
As part of the government’s support to the new hospital, the Cabinet Secretary pledged to drill a borehole for the Rumuruti community and supply essential medicines to aid the facility’s initial operations.
He also called for unity among Kenyans and lauded PCEA for its long-standing contribution to healthcare delivery.
The event was attended by leaders including Defence PS Dr.
Patrick Mariru, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, DHA CEO Eng. Anthony Lenayara, and
Members of Parliament from Laikipia and other counties.
