By Alloys Musyoka
Healthcare services in Kilifi County have received a major boost after the Coast Development Authority completed the construction of a new Ultramodern Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU) and TheatreBlock at Malindi Referral Hospital.
Constructiion works cost Sh 50 million but once equipped the total cost of the project would be Sh. 140 million including the additional Sh.90 million for equipping it with the facilities.
The facility was jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the Italian Government, which contributed significantly to its construction and shall now equip it with the facilities required so as to begin operations by December this year.
Cabinet Secretary for East African Community (EAC) Affairs,ASALs and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul, officially commissioned the project and handed it to the County Government of Kilifi through the Deputy Governor Flora Chibule.
The CS led an inspection tour of the newly completed 8 bed capacity facility before officially handing it over to the hospital management.
During the visit, she toured key specialized sections including the theatre, recovery, and preparation rooms to ensure the facility met all required medical standards.
Speaking after the inspection, CS Askul said the project was a major milestone in transforming healthcare delivery in the North Coast Region.
“There was a need to inspect and officially hand overthis building to the hospital board so that it can be put to use.
Once the project is complete, the facility will soon be equipped to offer ICU, HDU, and surgical services,” said Askul.
The CS lauded the strong partnership between the national and county governments, noting that the project’s success demonstrated the power of collaboration.
“This milestone is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when both levels of government work together for the good of our people,” she said, commending Governor Gideon Mung’aro for his stead fast commitment to improving healthcare services across Kilifi County.
Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule praised the project as fulfillment of Governor Mung’aro’s pledge to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable to residents.
“When Governor Mung’aro took office, he promised to improve healthcare delivery.
This project is proof of that commitment,” said Chibule.
“The ICU, HDU, and Theatre Block will not only benefit Kilifi residents but also serve patients from neighboring counties.” Chibule added that the facility is expected to be fully operational by December, coinciding with the Jamhuri Day celebrations, once all medical equipment has been installed.
“By December, this building will be fully equipped and ready for use. Its strategic location near tourist hotels will also help boost medical tourism in the region,” she noted.
Acting Managing Director of the Coast Development Authority(CDA), Dr. Mwasiti Bendera, emphasized that the new facility will serve not only the people of Kilifi but also residents from Tana River, Garissa, and Lamu counties, who previously had to travel long distances for ICU services.
She further revealed that the project cost approximately Sh50 million and was implemented in two phases.
“The first phase covered the construction of the ground floor, while the second included the upper floor with the ICU and theatre sections.The unit will accommodate eight beds,” said Dr. Bendera.
In his remarks, Principal Secretary for the East African Community, Kello Harsama, disclosed that throgh the partnership, they were able to mobilize about Sh.140 million for the construction and equipping of the facility.
“We sincerely thank the Italian Government for their continued support,” said the PS .
The commissioning marks a major step forward in strengthening specialized healthcare in Kilifi County and reducing referrals to distant hospitals for critical care.
