Nyandarua, Israel to build Ksh 1B childrens hospital

The County Government of Nyandarua on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with an Israeli-based hospital to put up a one billion shillings childrens’ hospital in Ol-Kalou town.

The MOU was signed between Nyandarua Governor Daniel Waithaka Mwangi and the Director of Schneider Childrens’ Medical Centre of Israel Prof. Joseph Press.

This is the second MOU to be signed by the County Government of Nyandarua and Israeli’s organization with the first one being with the Tahal International Group, that agreed to draw a multi-million water plan for the county.

Schneider Childrens’ Medical Centre, Israeli’s largest children hospital, agreed to partner with Nyandarua County in the construction of the first ever Paediatric hospital in Mount Kenya region.

Already, the county administration has allocated Ksh 100 million in the current financial year towards the project.

Schneider, one of the largest children hospitals in the world, undertakes over 8,000 open-heart surgeries per year and has some of the most experienced doctors in dealing with ailments that affect children.

Speaking after the signing of the MOU, Governor Waithaka said it was a “dream come true.”

“We have travelled a long journey with our partners from Israel and have exchanged visits, but the events today mark a major development in the economic partnership between us,” he said.

The hospital will be a replica of the Schneider Childrens’ Medical Centre located in Tel Aviv.

Prof. Joseph Press said the Hospital will also serve as a Referral Centre for many children. He said the Schneider Childrens’ Medical Centre will provide training of staff to ensure that services provide are of required quality.

The Israeli Ambassador to Kenya Yahel Vilan lauded the partnership saying more MOUs on development will be signed. He said the partnership will be long lasting noting that Israel has more opportunities to offer.