Kenya, Italian firm seal deal to build 15 hospitals across the country
Kenya has entered into a new healthcare partnership with Italian investment firm GKSD Group that will facilitate the development of 15 hospitals in different parts of the country.
Kenya has entered into a new healthcare partnership with Italian investment firm GKSD Group that will facilitate the development of 15 hospitals in different parts of the country.
President William Ruto witnessed the signing of the agreement at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, as the government steps up efforts to expand access to specialised medical services and advance its Universal Health Coverage agenda.
The project will see 13 Level 5 county referral hospitals and two Level 6 national teaching and referral hospitals established in 15 counties.
The partnership falls under the Mattei Plan for Africa, an initiative through which Italy is supporting strategic development projects across the continent.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, President Ruto said expanding hospital infrastructure was necessary to address gaps in healthcare access and improve the quality of services available to Kenyans.
Kenya currently has about 12 hospital beds for every 10,000 people, compared with the World Health Organization’s recommended level of 25 beds per 10,000 people.
According to the President, the additional facilities will increase bed capacity while strengthening the country’s referral network.
The hospitals are also expected to provide specialised services, including advanced diagnostic procedures, surgery, cancer treatment and intensive care, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to major referral centres.
Ruto said the new facilities could help ease pressure on institutions such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital by bringing specialised treatment closer to communities.
The National Treasury will work with the Italian government to finalise financing arrangements for the programme, while the Ministry of Health has been directed to speed up the technical and administrative processes needed to move the project forward.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said healthcare remains a key component of the government’s development agenda, noting that investments in facilities, equipment and infrastructure have continued to expand the country’s capacity.
Kindiki urged county governments to coordinate closely with the national government to ensure that the investments result in improved healthcare services for citizens.
GKSD Group Chairman Kamel Ghribi welcomed the partnership and said the company was ready to use its international healthcare experience to support Kenya’s ambitions.
Ghribi noted that GKSD Group has operations in the healthcare sector, including 68 hospitals in Italy and 90 in Poland, alongside facilities in other countries.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, governors and other Kenyan and Italian officials.
