Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital in Kiambu County has today begun offering Outpatient Department (OPD) services, marking the first phase in the operationalisation of the new 150-bed health facility serving correctional officers, inmates and surrounding communities.
The hospital, located at the Prisons Staff Training College, is being opened in phases ahead of full equipping and official commissioning.
Its operationalisation follows a directive issued by H.E. the President during the recent pass-out parade for newly enlisted prison officers, where he instructed that the facility be made operational within two weeks.
Constructed by the Kenya Defence Forces, the hospital is equipped with key medical units including a fully stocked pharmacy, male and female inpatient wards, a modern medical laboratory and physiotherapy services.
Once fully operational, the facility will provide outpatient and inpatient care, emergency services, diagnostics, maternal and child health services, as well as management of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Speaking during the officiation ceremony, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga said the operationalisation of the hospital marks an important step in strengthening healthcare services within correctional institutions.
He noted that the initiative supports the Government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda and the ongoing reforms in health financing under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure Kenyans access essential health services without financial hardship.
Dr Oluga also called on healthcare workers deployed to the facility to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, clinical excellence and ethical conduct.
The Ministry of Health, he added, remains committed to strengthening health institutions across the country through policy leadership, technical support, capacity building and quality assurance, while safeguarding the health and wellbeing of officers and inmates in line with national public health standards.
Also present during the ceremony were Dr Salome Beacco, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services; Dr Andrew Toro, Director of Curative Services; Dr George Waganga, Acting Superintendent of Wanini Kireri Level IV Hospital; Mr Patrick Aranduh, Commissioner General of Prisons; Mr Angus Masoro, Commandant of the Prisons Staff Training College; and senior officials from the Ministries of Health and Interior as well as the Kenya Prisons Service.
By Anthony Solly
