Juja Level 4 hospital nears completion

For years, residents of the Juja constituency have had to travel to Thika or Ruiru Level 5 hospitals for treatment, often incurring high costs at private facilities.

However, in just one month, this will change with the opening of the new Juja Level 4 Hospital.

The 200-bed facility, currently 80 per cent complete, will serve approximately 500,000 people in the Juja sub-county.

The hospital will offer a comprehensive range of services including outpatient care, inpatient facilities, radiology, maternity, a fully equipped laboratory, and two surgical theatres.

Located opposite the populous Gachororo estate, the new hospital is expected to alleviate pressure on Gatundu and Thika Level 5 hospitals, which have been overwhelmed by an influx of patients from Juja.

In the same sub-county, the county is also putting up a level three hospital that will have an outpatient wing, maternity ward with 16 beds, and a mini laboratory and theatre at Ndarasha village in Theta ward to the tune of Sh 48 million.

"This hospital formerly did not have a fence, a shepherding ground for livestock farmers, few services were offered and it would close at 6pm, patients were forced to walk kilometres away for specialized medical care," James Murage, Gachororo resident said.

"It was unfortunate that over 10 years since the advent of devolution, Juja, despite its growing population that has risen to over 500,000 people, has never had a level-five facility," Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi said.

The facility will be critical because it will reduce congestion in Thika, Ruiru, and Gatundu hospitals, where Juja people have been seeking services.

"In addition to the level four hospitals, we are building a level three hospital in Theta Ward and expanding the Juja Farm hospitals. It's our plan. All the wards in the county have at least a level three hospital," Wamatangi added.

Dr. Elias Maina, the County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, emphasized the strategic importance of this facility, noting its role in decentralizing healthcare services within the County.

"The Juja Level Four Hospital is not just an addition to our healthcare infrastructure; it is an essential component of our overarching strategy to enhance access to high-quality medical care across Kiambu County," The CEC noted.

He added that by alleviating the patient load on Gatundu and Thika Level 5 hospitals, which have been operating beyond capacity, "this new hospital will streamline patient care and reduce wait times, thereby improving overall health outcomes," Dr Maina stated.

Dr Patrick Nyaga, the Chief Officer for Health Services, highlighted the sophisticated medical infrastructure that will be housed within the facility.

"The 200-bed capacity is just the beginning. The hospital will feature a fully equipped radiology department, enabling precise diagnostic imaging essential for accurate treatment planning," Dr Nyaga explained.

He said the maternity wing and the surgical theatres have been designed with the newest technology to support both routine and complex procedures.

"The inclusion of a comprehensive medical laboratory will further ensure that our healthcare providers have access to timely and accurate diagnostic information for effective patient management," Dr. Nyaga said.

The hospital is also expected to act as a training ground for medical professionals, further enhancing the County's healthcare quality.

As the project nears completion, anticipation is high for this new facility's positive impact on healthcare delivery in Kiambu County.

Elsewhere in Kikuyu Constituency, Thogoto Level Four Hospital is nearing completion, the state-of-the-art healthcare facility project had stalled since 2016, but its construction is now 95 per cent complete.

Every tile laid, every ceiling panel installed, and the plumbing and electrical systems in place reflect the dedication and precision of the project.

Door installations are in progress, marking the final touches to an infrastructure poised to elevate healthcare standards.

Once complete, the 150-bed facility will serve the densely populated Kikuyu Sub-County and parts of the nearby Ndeiya in Limuru.