Govt reveals 12 counties set to get 13 new Level 5 hospitals

The Kenyan government has allocated Ksh29 billion for the construction of 13 new Level 5 comprehensive county referral hospitals, with these facilities set to serve 12 counties. According to MyGov's weekly publication on August 18, 2026, each hospital will accommodate 300 beds and provide specialized and critical care closer to local communities.

The statement highlights that the government has earmarked Sh29 billion for these projects, which are part of broader efforts to strengthen Kenya's healthcare infrastructure and enhance access to specialized treatments outside major referral centers. The planned hospitals will be situated in Kilifi, Mandera, Marsabit, Embu, Migori, Nyamira, Turkana, Baringo, Nakuru, Bomet, Narok, and Laikipia.

Interestingly, while 12 counties have been listed, the location for the 13th hospital remains unspecified. Each hospital will feature at least 16 intensive care unit (ICU) beds and 10 high dependency unit (HDU) beds, alongside modern diagnostic and treatment services, and will incorporate sustainable and climate-resilient designs, such as green engineering and solar energy.

The selection of counties for these hospitals is determined by factors such as population size, disease burden, existing health infrastructure, and potential financing through government, development partners, and private sector collaborations. This approach aims to target areas with significant healthcare needs and reduce disparities in access to specialized medical services.

By providing these new facilities, the government intends to decrease the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized treatments and alleviate pressure on national referral hospitals. Beneficiary counties will be responsible for securing land, securing approvals, ensuring utility availability, and preparing staffing and operational plans to ensure the hospitals can commence services post-construction.

This Ksh29 billion initiative complements other major health infrastructure projects, including the first phase of the 2,000-bed Kiplombe Multi-Specialty Hospital. As Kenya strives to bolster its health system, which includes 14,883 health facilities, the focus is on improving access to specialized and critical care beyond the country's main referral centers. However, the Ministry of Health has yet to clarify the site for the 13th Level 5 hospital.