Othaya MP’s healthcare push transforms Mwai Kibaki Level 6 Hospital into regional medical hub
Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina, Defence PS Patrick Mariru with other officials during the inspection of ongoing construction of Mwai Kibaki Hospital Annex. Photos/Courtesy.
By DMS
For decades, residents of Nyeri County and the larger Mt. Kenya region have had to travel long distances to Nairobi and other referral hospitals in search of specialized medical services.
Today, however, Mwai Kibaki Level 6 Hospital in Othaya is steadily emerging as one of Kenya’s fastest-growing public referral facilities, thanks to massive investments in modern equipment and infrastructure spearheaded by the national government with sustained support from Othaya Member of Parliament Wambugu Wainaina.
The latest milestone came yesterday with the delivery and installation of a state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner at the hospital.
The Othaya MP described the acquisition as a major breakthrough in improving healthcare access for thousands of patients across the region.
“Today we have successfully delivered the most modern 100 per cent lithium-free MRI scanner at Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital, a move aimed at improving healthcare service delivery. This will ease the huge burden of patients travelling to Nairobi, Kiambu and other facilities in search of these services,” he noted.
An MRI scanner uses powerful magnetic fields and radio frequency waves to generate detailed images of the body’s internal organs without exposing patients to radiation. The technology plays a critical role in diagnosing neurological disorders, spinal injuries, cancers, joint diseases and other complex medical conditions.
Until now, many patients from Nyeri and neighbouring counties have been forced to seek MRI services elsewhere, often incurring huge transport costs and enduring long waiting periods.
The installation of the scanner significantly elevates the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities and positions it among the few public health facilities in Central Kenya offering advanced imaging services.
The MRI project is part of a broader transformation agenda that has seen Mwai Kibaki Level 6 Hospital expand both its infrastructure and specialised services.
A few days ago, the MP accompanied Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru on an inspection tour of the ongoing construction of the Mwai Kibaki Clinical Hospital Annex.
The ambitious project, being implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, has already reached approximately 15 per cent completion.
According to the PS, the annex comprises a modern four-storey hospital complex with a capacity of 150 beds alongside other supporting medical facilities.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering the project within schedule and according to the highest quality standards.
For Wainaina, the hospital’s expansion represents the fulfilment of a long-standing commitment to transform healthcare services within the constituency and beyond.
Since assuming office, the MP has consistently lobbied national government agencies to prioritise investment at the hospital, arguing that its strategic location makes it an ideal referral centre for the wider Mt. Kenya region.
His efforts have focused on attracting specialised medical equipment, expanding hospital infrastructure and ensuring the institution receives adequate government support to serve a growing patient population.
Once completed, the annex facility will substantially increase bed capacity, create room for additional specialised departments and improve patient flow at the hospital.
The expanded complex is also expected to accommodate more specialist clinics, surgical theatres and inpatient services, reducing congestion while improving quality of care.
The hospital serves residents from at least 11 counties, making it one of the busiest referral facilities in the region.
Patients from Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Embu, Meru and neighbouring counties frequently seek specialised treatment at the institution.
Healthcare experts believe the combined impact of modern diagnostic technology and expanded infrastructure will significantly reduce patient referrals to Kenyatta National Hospital and other facilities in Nairobi.
The investments are also expected to cut treatment delays, lower travel expenses for families and improve early diagnosis of critical illnesses.
As construction progresses toward its expected completion in December 2026, optimism continues to grow that Mwai Kibaki Level 6 Hospital will become one of Kenya’s leading referral hospitals outside Nairobi.
For residents of Othaya and the larger Mt. Kenya region, the transformation represents more than new buildings and sophisticated machines. It signifies improved access to quality healthcare closer to home.
For the MP, it is further evidence that sustained engagement with the national government can deliver tangible development projects that directly improve the lives of wananchi.
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