Ministry of Health and Kakamega County Review Plans for Operationalisation of Level Six Hospital

9 November 2026

Efforts to expand access to specialised healthcare services in Western Kenya are progressing as the Ministry of Health and Kakamega County Government strengthen coordination towards the operationalisation of Kakamega Level Six Hospital.

The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, today held a meeting with a delegation from the Kakamega County Government, led by the County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Dr Livingstone Imbayi, at Afya House, Nairobi. Discussions focused on the hospital’s readiness, including infrastructure, medical equipment, human resources, financing and institutional arrangements required for its operationalisation.

The meeting emphasised the importance of collaboration between the National and County Governments in addressing outstanding requirements and establishing a sustainable management framework. Particular attention was given to strengthening coordination between Kakamega Level Six Hospital and the existing Kakamega County Referral Hospital to ensure complementary services, effective referral systems and optimal utilisation of healthcare resources.

Dr Oluga underscored the need for coordinated planning, clearly defined institutional responsibilities and alignment of infrastructure, medical equipment, skilled personnel and health financing with ongoing health sector reforms under Taifa Care. He emphasised that investments in healthcare infrastructure must translate into accessible, quality and efficient services that respond to the needs of communities.

The Principal Secretary further called for strengthening lower-level health facilities, improving essential services and promoting data-driven planning to support an integrated and responsive healthcare system. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with the Kakamega County Government to fast-track the hospital’s operationalisation upon completion and expand access to specialised healthcare services across Kakamega County and the wider Western Kenya region.

The meeting was attended by Mrs Rose Muhanda, Chief Officer for Public Health; Dr David Alilah, Chief Officer for Medical Services; and Dr Stephen Wandei. Ministry of Health officials present included Dr Hezron Omolo, Head of Infrastructure, Projects and Grants Management, and Eng. Martin Owino.