This archive report was first published on 30 September 2021.
On Wednesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned two hospitals in Kibera informal settlements, marking a significant step in the national Government's efforts to expand access to healthcare in Nairobi.
The President, accompanied by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, officially opened the Kibra and Undugu Highrise health facilities, which were developed by the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS).
Speaking to area residents, President Kenyatta emphasized the importance of these new facilities in addressing the high disease burden and mortality rates in Nairobi, particularly in informal settlements.
"We move forward towards achieving universal healthcare for all," the President said, highlighting the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) component of the Big 4 development agenda.
He noted that despite Nairobi being the country's capital, with a population of almost five million people, over 40 percent of residents rely on the Kenyatta National Hospital as their primary healthcare provider.
As part of the Government's march towards the attainment of UHC in Nairobi, President Kenyatta said NMS had completed 13 hospitals out of the 28 hospitals being constructed across the city's 17 subcounties.
The President also launched a fleet of ambulances to enhance delivery of emergency healthcare in the populous Kibera informal settlement.
