NMS rebrands Mathare Hospital to Mama Margaret Kenyatta Hospital

General Mohamed Badi, the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) boss, said the hospital will finally start treating patients after months of waiting, ahead of its official commissioning.

"This hospital had stalled for years but will in a week’s time open its doors to the public awaiting its commissioning," said Badi.

Dr. Ouma Oluga, NMS Director of Health Services, said the hospital expects to reduce the number of walk-in patients seeking medical attention at Kenyatta National Hospital significantly.

It is also expected to reduce the patient load at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Eastlands, which serves over 2.1 million people.

"We call on the public to take advantage of the specialized health care services available for free or at subsidized rates in these facilities," said Dr. Oluga.

The refurbished hospital in Mathare North, which cost Ksh 400 million and has a 350-bed capacity, is the largest county referral hospital under Nairobi County government management in terms of bed capacity.

A full floor of the five-story building will be dedicated to boda boda riders who are injured while going about their business. In-patient wards, a 24-hour pharmacy, a kidney dialysis center, an intensive care unit, a burns unit, and theatres will all be available.

Last year, NMS was tasked with bringing the project back to life after it was grounded to continue construction.