Homa Bay County is witnessing a new chapter in healthcare development under the stewardship of Governor H.E. Gladys Wanga. The construction of a state-of-the-art Accident and Emergency Wing, together with the Surgical Block and strategic collaborations, is set to reshape the delivery of critical medical services across Homa Bay and the wider Lake Region.
The referral hospital began as a modest dispensary in 1969 and has grown into a Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital with a bed capacity of 311. Major investments including CT-Scan and MRI services, Renal and Oncology Units, improved maternity facilities, an Eye Centre, Radiology Unit and a modern Funeral Parlour demonstrate the county's commitment to building an institution capable of meeting increasingly complex medical needs.
The new Surgical Block, being undertaken through a strategic partnership with the National Government, the Ministry of Defence and the Kenya Defence Forces, will add 140 beds and strengthen surgical, critical care, maternal, newborn and inpatient services.
Presiding over the site handover and groundbreaking, Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Roselinda Soipan Tuya, EGH, assured residents: "I wish to assure the people of Homabay that the Ministry of Defence will ensure that this project is completed in time, within budget and to the highest quality standards expected of the Kenya Defence Forces."
Governor Wanga said: "This intentional investment will strengthen Homa Bay County's healthcare system, expand our capacity to deliver specialised services, and ensure patients receive care in facilities that uphold their dignity. This handover ceremony marks the start of our journey to attaining Level 6 status."
The facility will feature two general operating theatres and a separate maternity theatre, supported by preparation and scrubbing rooms, sterile stores, an autoclave room and recovery areas. It will also house an ICU and HDU, labour and delivery facilities, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, nursery, antenatal services and a mothers' hostel, alongside specialist clinics in General Surgery, Ophthalmology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
"It will expand our surgical capacity, ease pressure on the existing wards, improve patient flow and create a more appropriate environment for specialised surgical services," the Governor said.
She added: "Our vision for Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital is to transform it into a centre of excellence in specialised healthcare, medical education and research. This ambition requires us to invest in both infrastructure and those who deliver services, the healthcare workers."
The County has absorbed six additional Medical Officers and 100 Nursing Officers to strengthen the workforce. Since 2022, outpatient and inpatient numbers have increased more than threefold, reflecting growing public confidence but also pressure on existing infrastructure.
The project will create about 300 direct jobs and a further 1,000 indirect opportunities, with construction materials sourced locally. The Accident and Emergency Block is targeted for completion by the end of this year.
Beyond its clinical impact, the project underscores a powerful model of intergovernmental partnership. By entrusting construction to the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Government has guaranteed a facility delivered in time, within budget and to the highest standards. It is a direct fulfilment of President William Samoei Ruto's commitment to the county and a concrete expression of Universal Health Coverage.
The Governor noted the County is committed to raising life expectancy to over 70 years, with SHA registration now at 680,000 residents, representing 56% of the population.
"May this project be completed successfully and become a lasting symbol of hope, healing and excellence in healthcare delivery."
