This archive report was first published on 20 July 2020.
On July 20, 2020, the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) marked a significant milestone in the fight against COVID-19 by commissioning the construction of a Sh1.1 billion treatment facility for UN staff in the region, located at the Nairobi Hospital.
The facility, which will have a 150-bed capacity, will feature top-range medical facilities, including ICU beds, HDU beds, an operation theater, laboratory, and radiology diagnostics. It is set to be completed within an 8-week period.
UNON Director General Zainab Hawa Bangura praised Kenya's leadership in medical professionalism in the region, stating, 'The agreement for the building of this treatment facility in Kenya underscores the UN's faith in Kenya's human resource and expertise, it is also a reflection of Nairobi's role as a key peace-keeping humanitarian and development hub for Africa.'
The facility will be constructed by Kenyans, using locally sourced materials. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo noted that the facility will not only cater to UN staff but also to Kenyans and the over 20,000 UN staff based in Kenya, Africa, and beyond.
The Nairobi Hospital will manage the facility, which will be open to Kenyans, not just UN and diplomatic personnel and their families. The hospital's CEO, Allan Pamba, stated, 'This facility is open to Kenyans.'
