Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital-KNH

Kenyatta National Hospital added yet another feather in its cap following the launch of a new hospital.

The event, filled with pomp and color was presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Others who attended included Health Cabinet Secretary Sen Mutahi Kagwe, PS Susan Mochache, Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director General Mohamed Badi, Kenyatta National Hospital Board Chair George Ooko, Chief Executive Dr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS amongst others.

The Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital-KNH is in Mathare North in Ruaraka Sub-County. The level 6 facility has a catchment population of 192,620. It covers an area of 7.20 km² and targets citizens within Nairobi county. The children’s hospital has a 350-bed capacity. It is complete with radiology services, theatre, mortuary, kitchen, laundry and staff accommodation.

The opening of The Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital-KNH is of great benefit to the local community in terms of the services that will be provided. The President registered his deep appreciation to KNH, for partnering with the Nairobi Metropolitan Services in the operationalization of the hospital for the greater benefit of all Kenyans. President Kenyatta made a personal commitment to ensure that the hospital would be completed as soon as possible so it could serve its envisioned purpose in the provision of health services to thousands of Kenyans living in the informal settlement.

“This hospital will serve as a referral facility for the 19 almost going to 21 lower level hospitals that we have constructed across the city of Nairobi,” said President Kenyatta. “I am certain that working with KNH, the remaining work needed to make this facility a complete referral hospital within a few months shall be done,” he said.

Speaking during the launch, Hon. Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Health said: “This hospital answers the question of affordability, access, and quality of care, which are the pillars of Universal Healthcare.” The launch of the children’s hospital marks a major milestone in the journey towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country. UHC aims at providing access and quality health services to all Kenyans. UHC is one of the four pillars of the Government’s Big 4 development agenda that encompasses manufacturing, affordable housing, food security, and nutrition.

The Kenyatta National Hospital team that is spearheading the operationalization of the hospital was given a tight short notice to achieve this objective. But under the able leadership of our indefatigable CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri EBS, the team hit the ground ready to burn the midnight oil and within a few days, the facility had taken shape as a KNH Annex and was ready for the presidential launch. The teams were led by Senior Director, Clinical Services Dr. Irene Inwani, and his Corporate Services counterpart Mr. Job Makanga. “Asanteni na Hongera sana KNH kwa kazi ambayo mmefanya na tukizidi kufanya kazi pamoja, Nina hakika wakenya wote watasaidika.” H.E Uhuru Kenyatta.