Sakaja Inspects Major Upgrades at Mama Lucy Hospital as Nairobi Expands Healthcare Capacity
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Wednesday toured Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital to assess a series of new upgrades aimed at boosting healthcare services for the city’s growing population. The inspection revealed major improvements, including expanded critical care units and enhanced diagnostic facilities, as the county government continues prioritizing access to quality medical care. Sakaja reiterated that his administration is committed to ensuring that Nairobians receive timely and specialized treatment, especially in high-demand areas such as neonatal care, pediatric emergencies, and kidney treatment.
Among the most notable developments is the addition of six Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) beds and eight Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) beds, a significant boost for infants and young children requiring critical support. The hospital has also launched a 14-bed renal unit to respond to increasing cases of kidney-related illnesses that require regular dialysis. Sakaja further noted that the upgrading programme includes six modern operating theatres to speed up surgical procedures, a revamped Accident and Emergency Unit to manage urgent cases more efficiently, and a Smart Blood Bank designed to ensure timely access to safe transfusions. A newly installed MRI machine is also expected to enhance diagnostic accuracy across a range of medical conditions.
County health officials accompanying the governor highlighted the impact these changes will have on maternal and child health. Nairobi County Executive for Health and Nutrition Suzanne Silantoi confirmed the opening of a new Mother and Child Health Clinic, which will offer family planning services, cancer screening, growth monitoring, and nutrition support. Chief Officer for Health Facilities, Hibraheem Otieno, added that the introduction of a Customer Care Centre and a dedicated Telephone Exchange Unit will streamline communication between caregivers, patients, and families. He also pointed to new medical waste management systems—including a shredder and microwave sterilizer—that will support safer and more sustainable hospital operations.
Looking ahead, Governor Sakaja emphasized that the developments at Mama Lucy Hospital are part of a wider county healthcare expansion strategy. He confirmed ongoing work to complete a 400-bed wing at Mutuini County Hospital, a project expected to significantly increase Nairobi’s inpatient capacity. With thousands of residents relying on public facilities daily, county officials say these investments are central to meeting the surging demand for modern, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare services across the capital.