Siaya’s new multimillion hospital complex; delivering hope, equity, and access to quality healthcare

BY ERIC ABUGA

Only 26.7 percent are fully paid and actively contributing. 

Kenya’s health sector has marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking of a new hospital complex at the Siaya County Referral Hospital.

The ceremony was attended by senior leaders including the Cabinet Secretary for Defense, Soipan Tuya, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and senior officials from both the national and county governments.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Oluga described the project as a turning point in Siaya’s health journey.

“While progress has been made in maternal health and immunization, the county still bears a high burden of HIV/AIDS and malaria, alongside rising cases of diabetes and hypertension.”

He stressed that the new hospital complex is not just about infrastructure, but about delivering hope, equity, and access to quality healthcare for all residents.

The Principal Secretary highlighted ongoing national government support through the National Equipment Supplies Program (NESP), which has already provided ultrasound machines to Siaya County Referral and Rambwa Sub-County Hospitals, benefiting thousands of patients.

He assured residents that additional requests for a digital X-ray, dialysis machines, laboratory equipment, and theatre facilities are being addressed, and confirmed that the Urenga Level 3A Hospital, valued at Sh 50 million, is nearing completion.

On Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Dr. Oluga reported that 40.7 percent of the population—are registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), though only 26.7 percent are fully paid up and actively contributing.

Nationally, more than 26 million Kenyans are registered under SHA, with 7.3 million active contributors.

In Siaya, the Ministry of Health has disbursed Sh 191 million through the Primary Healthcare Fund, while the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) has processed Sh 381 million in claims, of which Sh 225 million has already been paid. In total, more than Sh 416 million has been injected into healthcare providers across the county.

Once complete, the new hospital complex will provide advanced diagnostic, surgical, and emergency services, expand care into cardiology, oncology, and mental health, decongest lower-level facilities, and create jobs and training opportunities for healthcare workers.

Dr. Oluga affirmed that the project represents true partnership between the national and county governments, ensuring that children born in Siaya have the same chance of survival and wellbeing as those in Nairobi.

“This foundation is not only of stone and cement, but of dignity and service,” Dr. Oluga said, urging leaders and communities to continue working together to build a healthier, stronger Kenya.