President William Ruto has witnessed the signing of a major healthcare partnership between Kenya and Italian firm GKSD Group.
The deal will see GKSD Group help develop 15 hospitals across the country. The project aims to expand access to quality healthcare and support Kenya’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Meanwhile, the partnership falls under the Italian Government’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
15 hospitals to be built across Kenya
Under the agreement, Kenya will develop 15 hospitals in 15 counties.
The project will include 13 Level 5 county referral hospitals and two Level 6 national teaching and referral hospitals.
President Ruto witnessed the signing ceremony at State House Nairobi on Tuesday.
According to the President, the investment will help address Kenya’s shortage of hospital facilities. It will also improve access to specialised medical services.
The event brought together Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, GKSD Group Chairman Kamel Ghribi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, governors and other Kenyan and Italian officials.
Kenya faces shortage of hospital beds
President Ruto said Kenya needs to increase its hospital capacity.
Currently, the country has about 12 hospital beds for every 10,000 people. However, this remains below the World Health Organisation’s recommended 25 beds per 10,000 people.
As a result, Ruto said the new hospitals will help expand Kenya’s healthcare capacity and strengthen the referral system.
In addition, the facilities will bring specialised healthcare services closer to communities.
New hospitals to offer specialised services
The planned hospitals will help reduce pressure on major referral facilities such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
For example, the facilities will provide advanced diagnostic tests, specialised surgery, cancer treatment and intensive care.
At the same time, the President said the National Treasury will work with the Italian Government to finalise financing arrangements for the project.
The Ministry of Health will also speed up the technical, regulatory and administrative processes needed to launch the programme.
Ruto calls for quick implementation
President Ruto stressed the need for transparency, urgency and value for money.
He said Kenyans should judge the project by the lives it improves rather than the agreements signed or buildings constructed.
Therefore, Ruto urged officials to move quickly from signing the agreement to securing financing and starting construction.
Ultimately, he said, the government must ensure the completed facilities provide services that improve the lives of Kenyans.
Kindiki backs healthcare investment
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said healthcare remains one of the government’s key priorities.
He noted that Kenya has made progress in expanding healthcare infrastructure and upgrading medical equipment.
However, Kindiki urged county governments to work closely with the national government to ensure these investments translate into better services.
In addition, he called for cooperation between the two levels of government to consolidate the gains made in the healthcare sector.
GKSD promises to support Kenya
GKSD Group Chairman Kamel Ghribi said Kenya has shown a strong commitment to improving its healthcare system.
Ghribi pledged his organisation’s support in helping the country expand access to quality and specialised medical care.
Meanwhile, he said GKSD Group has extensive experience in the healthcare sector.
According to Ghribi, the group operates 68 hospitals in Italy and 90 in Poland, alongside other healthcare facilities in different countries.
With this experience, Ghribi said GKSD will support Kenya’s efforts to expand access to specialised healthcare.
As a result, the partnership is expected to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure and bring more specialised services closer to communities.
