The new dialysis equipment installed at the Butere county hospital /HILTON OTENYO
Healthcare services in Kakamega County have received a major boost following the launch of a new renal unit at Butere County Hospital.
The six-station facility is the second renal unit in the county. Until now, the only renal unit was located at the Kakamega County General Hospital.
Governor Fernandes Barasa said patients will now be able to access quality and affordable renal care services closer to home following the installation of a dialysis machine at the hospital.
“This investment is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and ensure equitable access to specialised medical services across the county,” he said.
The unit is expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide life-saving haemodialysis services to patients suffering from kidney-related ailments, including end-stage renal disease, acute kidney injury, severe fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances and other renal complications.
Medical Services chief officer David Alila said the facility is equipped with six dialysis stations, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances in search of treatment.
“To guarantee safe and efficient operations, the county government has also installed a modern water treatment plant with the capacity to support six dialysis stations and accommodate future expansion as demand for renal services increases,” he said.
The development positions Butere County Hospital as a key referral centre for renal care within Kakamega county and the wider Western Kenya region.
It is also expected to ease the financial burden on patients and families from the lower region of the county who previously had to travel to distant facilities for treatment.
The lower part of Kakamega county comprises Butere, Mumias East, Mumias West, Matungu and Khwisero constituencies.
The project was funded through the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF), demonstrating the county government's commitment to reinvesting locally generated health revenues into improving service delivery and upgrading medical infrastructure.
Instant analysis
The launch of a renal unit at Butere County Hospital marks a significant step towards decentralising specialised healthcare services in Kakamega. By bringing dialysis closer to patients in the lower region of the county, the facility is expected to reduce travel costs, waiting times and the burden on the County General Hospital, which previously hosted the only renal unit. The investment also reflects growing efforts by county governments to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and expand access to critical services. As cases of kidney-related illnesses continue to rise, the success of the new unit will depend on adequate staffing, maintenance and a consistent supply of essential medical resources.
