KNH Strengthens Specialised Care Through Adopt-a-Ward Partnerships
Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale presided over the official launch and handover of refurbished and equipped wards at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) under the Adopt-a-Ward Initiative, reaffirming the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening specialised healthcare delivery.
The initiative brings together Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Prime Bank, the Nakumatt Molo Fire Victims Fund and Nest 360. Key investments include KSh 100 million from Co-operative Bank of Kenya, including 96 orthopaedic beds, and KSh 30 million from the Nakumatt Molo Fire Victims Fund, including 40 three-crank electric beds. These efforts are complemented by the Nest 360 Newborn Unit project, 136 modern beds and 3D printing technology at KNH, underscoring the transformative role of public-private partnerships in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
During a tour of the facility, the CS witnessed the modern infrastructure and innovations enhancing KNH’s capacity to deliver specialised care to patients from across Kenya and the region.
The Government, under the Fifth Administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), continues to invest in improving health infrastructure, including the ongoing renovation of Levels 7 and 8 at KNH. The CS called on more corporates, foundations and development partners to support healthcare priorities in line with established Ministry standards.
Emphasising the need to safeguard these investments, the CS urged implementing partners and hospital management to uphold transparency, accountability, technical standards and proper maintenance to ensure the facilities deliver lasting benefits and improve patient outcomes.
As the Government expands Primary Care Networks across all 47 counties, the focus remains on bringing essential healthcare services closer to communities while strengthening KNH’s role as a centre of specialised care. Functional referral systems, supported by the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre and the SHA 922 Lifeline, remain critical to timely emergency response and continuity of care.
The CS further underscored the importance of positioning KNH at the forefront of medical innovation, research and training, while embracing emerging technologies to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.
He commended the partners for their contribution to strengthening healthcare delivery, noting that sustainable transformation of the health sector requires a shared commitment between Government and the private sector. Their investments demonstrate how collective action can expand access to quality specialised care and accelerate the country’s UHC aspirations.
The Government remains committed to building a resilient, responsive and patient-centred health system in which every investment translates into improved health outcomes for Kenyans.
The event was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga; KNH Board Chairperson Dr. Abbas Gullet; KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Richard Lesiyampe; Prime Bank Founder and Chairperson Dr. Rasik Kantaria; Co-operative Bank Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking Ms. Lydia Rono; NEST360 Country Lead Prof. William Macharia; and other senior Ministry officials.