First Lady Margaret Kenyatta opens Ksh.263M hospital wing in Kasarani

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has lauded the role played by faith-based organisations towards the delivery of Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.

Speaking on Thursday when she presided over the official opening of Mother Kevin Light House wing in Kasarani, Nairobi, the First Lady emphasised that access to quality and affordable healthcare is a fundamental right for all citizens.

“Through the support of the Government together with partners represented here today, many patients will benefit from the quality care that has been made possible by the professional staff trained in the teaching and learning facility provided at St Francis Hospital as a level 5 hospital,” she said.

The new wing of the hospital run by the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi of the Catholic Church was constructed at a cost of Ksh.263million.

It offers a wide range of services including specialised surgeries, dialysis and physiotherapy, paediatric services as well as the ICU and HDU facilities.

She applauded the medical team for the high level of investment into equipping the wards with technology to enable telemedicine.

Mrs. Kenyatta noted that the hospital conducts one of the highest number of paediatric reconstructive surgeries in East and Central Africa.

According to her, faith-based organisations have gone beyond their call to preach the gospel and moved to cover provision of education and healthcare, serving thousands of women, men and children.

“This is the same spirit that we rely on to support us during our Beyond Zero Medical Safaris in different counties,” the First Lady said.

She observed that the hospital, that started as a small nursery school in 1993 and later a one room dispensary, has transformed from a Level 3 hospital in 2009 to become a fully operational Level 5 facility.

It serves communities from Kasarani, Ruai, Kahawa and some coming from as far as Kiambu and Machakos counties.
“I commend your boda boda program which is addressing the rising numbers of accident victims, as well as the outreach programs targeting the youth dwelling in the surrounding informal settlements,” she added.

The First Lady later attended a special celebratory mass conducted by –Rev. Bishop Joseph Mbatia that preceded the opening of the new facility.

Speaking during the occasion, Director of Medical Services Jackson Kioko commended the First Lady for supporting the health sector, particularly in provision of maternal and child healthcare.

“Your Excellency, what you have been doing in this country has played a great role in pushing the health agenda, especially on the maternal and child health through the Beyond zero program. You have walked with us to transform the health sector. We are proud of you, ” Dr Kioko said.

He particularly commended the First Lady’s Medical Safaris, saying they have opened access to many people who were not able to access specialised services.

Other speakers included Kasarani MP Mercy Gakuya, the hospital’s Acting Chairperson Dr. Nelly Bosire, Sister Alice Wanjiru who is the director of the hospital and CEO Sister Esther Mwangi.