Written by Kelly Were
Kericho, Kenya – Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale on Friday paid a working visit to Kericho County Referral Hospital Level 5, underscoring his ministry’s resolve to restore public trust in the health sector and advance the goals of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Accompanied by Kericho Governor H.E. Erick Mutai, CS Duale toured key departments of the facility, including the ICU/HDU units, Renal Dialysis Centre, and Microbiology Laboratory.
Hospital administrators briefed the CS on significant milestones and operational challenges, including the ongoing construction of a 260-bed Non-Communicable Disease Centre (NCDC).
The NCDC, once completed, will feature seven theatres and ICU units equipped with integrated dialysis machines, positioning the facility as a regional hub for specialized care.
Hon. Duale lauded the hospital’s recent improvements in neonatal care and called for the expansion of medical specialty training, noting that enhanced clinical expertise is critical to elevating healthcare delivery nationwide.
He also emphasized the government’s ongoing health sector reforms, including the digitization of health services and the rollout of disease surveillance vehicles to all 47 counties—measures aimed at improving service efficiency and outbreak response.
The CS praised Kericho County’s impressive uptake of the Social Health Authority (SHA) platform, with more than 390,000 residents registered. The hospital currently serves over 1.5 million patients from Kericho and neighboring counties.
In a symbolic and strategic move, CS Duale presented the hospital with its official land title deed, a step aimed at preventing encroachment and enabling long-term infrastructure development.
The visit drew participation from national and local leaders including Kipkelion East MP Hon. Joseph Kirui, Ainamoi MP Hon. Benjamin Kipkirui, and Kericho Senator Hon. Aaron Cheruiyot, who reaffirmed their support for strengthening the county’s healthcare system.
