The Kitui County Ministry of Health and Sanitation has announced major milestones in the ongoing transformation of healthcare delivery across the county, marking significant progress in infrastructure development, specialized services, and human resource management.
Speaking to press County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koki said Kitui County now boasts the highest number of health facilities in Kenya, with 326 operational health units including 14 hospitals, 54 health centres, and 258 dispensaries. The county also has 2,470 Community Health Promoters, ensuring at least 10 health promoters in every village.
New Dispensaries and Expansions
Since the beginning of the current financial year, the county has operationalized 16 new dispensaries, with plans to open 25 more before the end of the fiscal period.
The new facilities are spread across all sub-counties, including Sosoma and Masavi in Nguni Ward, Kimela in Ngomeni, Katumbi in Tseikuru, Makuka and Katumbi in Endau-Malalani, Kilimu in Kithumula–Kwa Mutonga, Kanguu in Chuluni, Ngwate in Ikutha, Kangondi in Mutonguni, Kathungu in Ikanga, Isaa in Mutha, Kyen’ge in Kauwi, Kasang’u in Voo/Kyamatu, Gatoroni in Tharaka, and Kitooni in Kanyangi Ward.
“These facilities bring health services closer to the people, a key pillar of our mission to ensure equitable healthcare access for every resident,” Ms. Koki said.
Specialized Medical Services
Since 2023, Kitui County has operationalized several specialized services, including an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a High Dependency Unit (HDU), and a Cancer Centre at the Kitui County Referral Hospital (KCRH).
The county has also established a haemophilia clinic and acquired four additional dialysis machines two for KCRH and two for Mwingi Level 4 Hospital.
In addition, a Newborn Unit has been established at KCRH, alongside the initiation of the South Eastern Kenya Renal Centre, which will include modern ICU and HDU facilities.
Oxygen and Drug Supply
To strengthen emergency response, the county installed an oxygen plant at Mwingi Level 4 Hospital and a refillable 8,000-litre liquid oxygen tank at KCRH, complete with oxygen piping to wards.
The county also completed construction of a modern drug store at KCRH and renovated existing drug stores at Mwingi, Nuu, and Ikanga Sub-County Hospitals.
Improved Hospital Infrastructure
The Ministry has procured new laundry machines for both KCRH and Mwingi Level 4 Hospital, while the amenity block at Mwingi Level 4 Hospital has been fully operationalized.
Maternity services have been expanded through new or renovated facilities in Nuu and Kyuso Sub-County Hospitals, Kisayani, Nguni, Kauma, and Kakululo Health Centres. Construction of a new maternity unit at Yatta Health Centre has been completed, while Miambani, Malalani, and Mbitini health centres have undergone major renovations.
Work continues on the Mother Child Block at Mwingi Level 4 Hospital.
Outpatient and Theatre Services
New outpatient blocks have been completed and operationalized at KCRH, Zombe, and Mutomo hospitals.
The county has also operationalized theatres at Kanyangi and Migwani, with Mutitu and Kauwi set for completion by December. The construction of theatre buildings at Kyuso Sub-County and Yatta Health Centre — which is being upgraded to Level 4 — is complete and awaiting equipment installation.
Radiology, Laboratory, and Ambulance Services
Kitui County has upgraded its radiology capacity by operationalizing a CT scan at KCRH and installing X-ray machines at Kanyangi and Nuu hospitals.
Assorted laboratory equipment has been procured for facilities in TseiKuru, Kyuso, Ikanga, Kanyangi, Katulani, Ikutha, Mutitu, and Kauwi.
The county’s ambulance fleet has grown from 17 in 2022 to 28 in 2025, greatly improving referral and emergency response services.
Boost in Human Resource and Digital Health
Since 2022, the Ministry has promoted 1,096 healthcare workers across various cadres and budgeted for the recruitment of an additional 200 personnel to further strengthen service delivery.
On digital transformation, Ms. Koki revealed that KCRH and Mwingi hospitals are already partially automated. The County Ministry, in partnership with the Kenya Digital Agency and Palladium Kenya, plans to fully automate all 326 health facilities by June 2026.
Ms. Koki reaffirmed Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s commitment to ensuring every Kitui resident enjoys access to quality, affordable healthcare close to their homes.
“Kitui is steadily becoming a model county in healthcare delivery. Every investment we make is a step towards a healthier, more productive county,” she said.
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