Ruto unveils plan for 15 new referral hospitals under Italy partnership

President William Ruto has unveiled a plan with Italy's GKSD Group to build 15 new referral hospitals across Kenya, as part of a broader initiative to improve healthcare access and address shortages of hospital beds. The agreement, signed at State House in Nairobi, outlines the construction of 13 Level Five county referral hospitals and two Level Six national teaching and referral hospitals in 15 different regions.

This investment aims to bridge the gap between current hospital capacity and the internationally recommended standard of 25 hospital beds per 10,000 people, with Kenya currently at 12 beds per 10,000 people. The new facilities will be constructed under Italy's Mattei Plan for Africa, an initiative that seeks to boost partnerships in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Currently, Kenya is one of 18 partner countries under the plan, with a total investment of €5.5 billion and health among its six priority areas. The hospitals will increase hospital capacity, bring specialized medical services closer to communities, and accelerate the country's progress towards Universal Health Coverage. They are particularly needed due to ongoing pressure on Kenya's public health system, which is facing shortages of healthcare workers, equipment, and capacity.

The projects are expected to strengthen county referral systems and improve access to specialized services for patients in rural areas.