Gilgil Sub County Hospital is undergoing infrastructural expansion aimed at strengthening maternal, newborn, and specialised healthcare services. The development forms part of ongoing investments by the Nakuru County Government under the leadership of Governor Susan Kihika, in partnership with the Mpesa Foundation, to improve access to essential health services and reduce referrals to higher-level facilities.
Construction is underway for a modern theatre and newborn care block within the hospital compound. The project is designed to expand the hospital’s capacity to offer surgical and neonatal services, responding to the increasing demand for maternal and newborn care within Gilgil Sub-County and surrounding areas. Once completed, the facility is expected to support timely medical interventions and improve continuity of care for patients.
The new block is planned as a one-storeyed structure that will serve as a second wing to the recently constructed maternity block. The ground floor will house a theatre with two operating tables, enabling the hospital to conduct more surgical procedures on-site. This addition is expected to reduce the number of referrals for emergency and planned surgeries, particularly those related to maternal health.
The first floor of the facility will host a Newborn Unit designed to support specialised care for newborns who require close monitoring and medical intervention after birth. The unit will strengthen the hospital’s ability to manage complications associated with premature birth, low birth weight, and other neonatal conditions. By offering these services within the sub-county, the hospital will be better positioned to respond to critical cases without delays associated with referrals.
The construction and equipping of the theatre and newborn care block is being undertaken at a cost of Ksh. 50 million. Works are scheduled for completion within a period of eight months. The project includes structural construction, installation of medical infrastructure, and procurement of equipment required for theatre and neonatal services.
As construction progresses, measures have been put in place to ensure continuity of healthcare services. County Executive Committee Member for Health, Roselyn Mungai, stated that the new maternity wing is expected to be fully operational by February. The operationalisation of the maternity wing will support ongoing service delivery while preparations continue for the completion of the theatre and newborn care block.
The expansion of Gilgil Sub County Hospital responds to the increasing number of mothers and newborns seeking services at the facility. Daily patient numbers have continued to rise, placing sustained demand on existing infrastructure. The additional facilities are intended to address this pressure by increasing space, improving service flow, and supporting the provision of a wider range of services.
The project aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s agenda of strengthening county health facilities to provide specialised services closer to communities. By expanding surgical and neonatal care capacity at sub-county hospitals, the county government aims to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances in search of care. This approach supports timely access to services and contributes to improved health outcomes.
The progress at Gilgil Sub County Hospital also reflects facility-level leadership focused on planning and coordination. Under the guidance of the Medical Superintendent, the hospital has strengthened internal systems to support service delivery and prepare for expanded operations once the new facilities are completed. This includes coordination among departments, staff planning, and alignment with county health priorities.
Upon completion, the theatre and newborn care block is expected to support safer deliveries, improved newborn survival, and enhanced surgical capacity within the sub-county. The investment represents a step toward strengthening the health system by expanding infrastructure, improving access to care, and supporting the delivery of essential services to the community.