Governor Achani flags off ICU, renal unit project at Kinango Hospital

The project, slated for completion by the end of this year, will provide critical care for kidney patients and emergency cases, particularly benefiting residents of Kinango and Samburu who previously traveled long distances for treatment.

Once operational, the facility will become the second in Kwale County to offer renal and ICU services, following Msambweni County Referral Hospital.

The upgrade is part of a broader push to enhance specialized healthcare access in the region after Kinango Hospital was elevated from a health center to a Level 4 facility. Currently, the hospital handles over 150 patients daily, offering X-ray, surgical, maternity, and eye care services.

Governor Achani emphasized that the new units will alleviate pressure on Msambweni Hospital, which has been the sole provider of renal and critical care in the county. "For years, patients from Kinango and Samburu have endured long journeys for lifesaving treatments," she said.

"This project will bring these services closer to them, cutting costs and saving lives." Kwale County has upgraded seven hospitals to Level 4 status, including Kwale, Mnyenzeni, Samburu, Mkongani, and Lungalunga, with Msambweni further elevated to a referral hospital.

Dr. Francis Gwama, Kwale’s Health Executive, noted that the renal and ICU units are part of a larger initiative to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. "Patients in remote areas have struggled to access emergency and kidney care," he said.

"Once complete, this facility will be a game-changer." Residents have welcomed the development. Umazi Samson, a patient at Kinango Hospital, praised the improved services, saying, "I’ve seen patients suffer due to lack of ICU access. Governor Achani’s intervention will transform healthcare here."

In addition to the Kinango project, Kwale County has operationalized 178 health centers and hired 1,800 healthcare workers to bolster service delivery. The upgrades reflect the county’s commitment to decentralizing specialized care and improving health outcomes for its residents.

The new units are expected to reduce travel burdens for patients in Kinango and Samburu, who previously had to commute to Mombasa or Msambweni for critical care, while also improving emergency response times and lowering healthcare costs for families.