Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced plans to invest KSh100 million in the expansion of Nyambene Level 4 Hospital in Igembe South, Meru County.

The planned upgrade is aimed at transforming the Maua-based facility into a major referral hospital capable of providing more specialised medical services to residents of Igembe South and neighbouring areas.

Kindiki made the announcement on Thursday, September 17, 2026, after inspecting ongoing construction works at the hospital.

The expansion will also be accompanied by the installation of modern diagnostic equipment through the National Equipment Support Programme. The equipment is expected to improve the hospital’s ability to detect and manage different illnesses.

According to Kindiki, better diagnostic services will help patients receive treatment closer to home instead of travelling to Nairobi or other distant referral facilities.

The government also plans to assess the hospital for elevation from Level 4 to Level 5 once the ongoing construction work is completed.

If upgraded, Nyambene Hospital would take on a bigger role in handling specialised cases from Igembe South and neighbouring areas. The planned changes are also expected to strengthen the referral network within Meru County and the wider Mt Kenya East region.

Kindiki said the development is particularly important because Meru Level 5 Hospital is expected to transition to Level 6 National Teaching and Referral status next year. This would create a need for other hospitals in the county to take on greater referral responsibilities.

The Deputy President also directed contractors working on the project to follow the agreed timelines and ensure that construction meets the required standards.

The planned upgrade is expected to increase access to specialised healthcare services and reduce the distance residents have to travel when seeking advanced medical treatment.