County Receives New Ultramodern ICU, HDU Referral Block Worth Sh140 Million

By Charo Charles

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kilifi County healthcare services have received a major boost after the Coast Development Authority completed the construction of a new ultramodern intensive care unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU) and theatre block at Malindi Referral Hospital.

Construction works cost Sh50 million, but once equipped the total cost of the project will be Sh140 million out which Sh90 million will be used to equip the facilities.

The project was jointly funded by the Kenyan and Italian governments with the latter contributing significantly to its construction apart from equipping the facilities so as to begin operations by the end of the year.

East African Community affairs, ASALs and regional development cabinet secretary Beatrice Askul commissioned the project and handed it over to the county government’s deputy governor Flora Chibule.

The CS inspected the newly completed eight bed capacity facility before officially handing it over to the hospital management.

During the visit, she toured key specialized sections including the theatre, recovery, and preparation rooms to ensure the facility met all required medical standards.

Speaking after the inspection, the CS said the project was a major milestone in transforming healthcare delivery in the north Coast region.

“There was a need to inspect and officially hand overthis building to the hospital board so that it can be put to use.

Once the project is complete, the facility will soon be equipped to offer ICU, HDU, and surgical services,” she said.

She lauded the strong partnership between the national and county governments, noting that the project’s success demonstrated the power of collaboration.

“This milestone is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when both levels of government work together for the good of our people.”

The CS commended Governor Gideon Mung’aro for his steadfast commitment to improving healthcare services across his county.

DG Chibule praised the project as fulfillment of the governor’s pledge to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable to residents.

“When Governor Mung’aro took office, he promised to improve healthcare delivery.

This project is proof of that commitment,” she said.

According to her the ICU, HDU, and Theatre Block will not only benefit Kilifi residents, but also serve patients from the neighboring counties.

She added that the facility was expected to be fully operational by December, coinciding with the Jamhuri Day celebrations, once all medical equipment have been installed.

“By December, this building will be fully equipped and readyfor use. Its strategic location near tourist hotels will also help boost medical tourism in the region.”

CDA acting managing director Dr. Mwanasiti Bendera emphasized that the new facility would serve not only the people of Kilifi but also residents from Tana River, Garissa, and Lamu counties that previously had to travel long distances for ICU services.

She revealed that the project cost approximately Sh50 million and was implemented in two phases.

“The first phase covered the construction of the ground floor, while the second included the upper floor with the ICU and theatre sections.

The unit will accommodate eight beds,” she said.

In his remarks, East African Community principal secretary Kello Harsama disclosed that through the partnership they were able to mobilize about Sh140 million for the construction and equipping of the facility.

“We sincerely thank the Italian Government for their continued support,” he said.

The commissioning marks a major step forward in strengthening specialized healthcare in Kilifi County and reducing referrals to distant hospitals for critical care.