Kenya has entered into a landmark partnership with Italian firm GKSD Group to construct 15 new hospitals across the country as the government steps up efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). President William Ruto witnessed the signing of the agreement at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, describing the investment as a major boost to Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure and access to quality medical services.
The partnership, signed under the Government of Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa framework, will see 15 hospitals established across 15 counties. The facilities will comprise 13 Level 5 county referral hospitals and two Level 6 national teaching and referral hospitals.
The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, GKSD Group Chairman Kamel Ghribi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, governors and other Kenyan and Italian officials.
Ruto Highlights Kenya’s Hospital Bed Shortage
President Ruto said the project comes at a critical time when Kenya continues to face a shortage of hospital beds and specialised healthcare services. According to the President, Kenya currently has approximately 12 hospital beds for every 10,000 people, significantly below the World Health Organization’s recommended benchmark of 25 beds per 10,000 people. Ruto said expanding hospital capacity would strengthen the country’s referral system while making specialised medical services more accessible to communities.
By expanding our hospital capacity, strengthening the referral system and bringing specialised services closer to communities, these facilities will accelerate our progress towards Universal Health Coverage
President RutoThe new facilities are expected to ease pressure on major referral hospitals such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. They will also provide advanced diagnostic services, specialised surgery, oncology treatment and intensive care closer to patients.
Government to Fast-Track Financing and Implementation
The President said the National Treasury will work with the Italian government to finalise financing arrangements for the project. The Ministry of Health, meanwhile, has been directed to accelerate the technical, regulatory and administrative processes needed to move the programme from agreement to implementation.
Ruto stressed the importance of transparency, urgency and value for money, noting that the success of the initiative should ultimately be judged by the quality of healthcare services delivered to Kenyans. He said the focus should be on improving people’s lives rather than simply signing agreements or constructing facilities.
“Ultimately, the true value of these investments will not be in the agreements we sign or the infrastructure we build, but in the lives we improve
President RutoThe President further urged officials to ensure the project progresses quickly from financing to construction and eventually the delivery of medical services.
Kindiki Calls for National and County Cooperation
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said healthcare remains a key component of the government’s development agenda. Kindiki noted that Kenya has made progress in expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving medical facilities and equipment. He urged county governments to collaborate closely with the National Government to ensure that investments in the health sector result in improved services for citizens.
GKSD Pledges Healthcare Expertise
GKSD Group Chairman Kamel Ghribi said his organisation was ready to support Kenya’s efforts to transform its healthcare system. Ghribi said his meeting with President Ruto convinced him of the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services for Kenyans. He pledged that GKSD would bring its experience and expertise to the partnership as Kenya works to expand access to specialised medical care.
According to Ghribi, GKSD operates dozens of hospitals in Italy and Poland and has extensive experience in the healthcare sector. He said the organisation would use its international experience and technical capacity to support Kenya in developing a stronger and more accessible healthcare system.
Mattei Plan Partnership
The hospital project forms part of the broader cooperation between Kenya and Italy under the Mattei Plan for Africa, which focuses on investments in infrastructure, livelihoods and sustainable economic development. The government expects the new hospitals to strengthen healthcare delivery while supporting Kenya’s wider efforts to improve access to quality medical services across the country.
