Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital has officially become an autonomous State corporation and a fully-fledged national referral hospital following its handover from Kenyatta National Hospital.
The transition, effected under Legal Notice No. 148 of 2024, was marked on Thursday during a ceremony in Othaya, Nyeri County, presided over by Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga.
The new status grants the hospital an independent Board of Directors, an approved organisational structure and direct Exchequer funding, strengthening its governance, accountability and operational capacity.
Dr Oluga said the move will improve access to specialised healthcare, enhance institutional efficiency and bolster the country’s response to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
During the event, the Principal Secretary also launched the hospital’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which outlines its roadmap for expanding specialised healthcare, advancing medical education and research, improving institutional performance and supporting the rollout of Universal Health Coverage.
He also commended the ongoing construction of the Mwai Kibaki Tower, saying it will significantly increase the hospital’s capacity through specialised medical and surgical units, advanced diagnostic services, critical care facilities, and modern teaching and research infrastructure.
The government said it remains committed to supporting Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital as a centre of excellence for specialised healthcare, medical training and research.
