Kindiki spoke on Thursday, September 17, 2026, after inspecting ongoing construction works at the hospital, where he said the government is preparing the facility for a bigger role in the region’s healthcare system.
The expansion will be accompanied by the installation of modern diagnostic equipment under the National Equipment Support Programme (NESP), with the machines expected to arrive in the coming weeks, according to the Deputy President.
He said improved diagnostic capacity would help medical workers detect illnesses earlier and allow patients to receive treatment without travelling to Nairobi or other distant referral centres. “The expansion and new equipment are expected to boost the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and treat patients, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to other facilities for specialised services,” Kindiki said.
The planned upgrade comes amid concerns over access to specialised healthcare in the region. Kindiki said improved diagnostic services would strengthen the ability of local facilities to detect and manage serious illnesses, including cancer.
The government will assess Nyambene Hospital for elevation to Level 5 status once the ongoing construction works are completed, he said. That elevation would give the facility a bigger role in handling specialised cases as Meru Level 5 Hospital prepares to transition to National Teaching and Referral Level 6 status next year.
Kindiki said the development would create a stronger referral network in Meru County and the wider Mt Kenya East region, with Nyambene Hospital expected to take on a greater role in serving patients from Igembe South and neighbouring areas. “The planned elevation of Nyambene Hospital to Level 5 will further enhance its role as a key referral facility in the region and boost healthcare services,” he said.
The Deputy President directed contractors to adhere to agreed timelines and ensure the project is completed to the required standards. He warned against delays and poor workmanship, saying the government would closely monitor the project to ensure taxpayers receive value for the Sh100 million investment. “I am warning the contractors and those involved in this project that the government will closely monitor and ensure the Sh100 million investment delivers the intended services to the people,” he said.
Kindiki said modern diagnostic equipment would be particularly important in detecting illnesses at an early stage, potentially allowing patients to begin treatment faster. He said the government’s broader healthcare strategy was aimed at ensuring Kenyans can access quality medical services closer to their homes instead of travelling long distances for services that can be provided locally. “This expansion comes at a time when the government is seeking to increase access to quality healthcare by upgrading facilities and equipping hospitals with modern medical technology, drugs and diagnostic equipment,” he said.
While addressing residents, Kindiki said the Nyambene upgrade was part of the government’s wider development record in healthcare, roads, education and agriculture. He urged residents to remain patient with President William Ruto’s administration, arguing that the government had implemented significant development projects within a relatively short period. “I am urging you to be patient with President Ruto’s administration. Trust me, there is no other government in the history of Kenya that has even achieved such development records within a short time like this one. Look at roads, health, education, agriculture, among others,” he said.
The Deputy President also criticised the opposition, warning residents against joining what he described as a political grouping without clear structures and a national agenda. He accused opposition leaders of focusing on criticism of the government for what he termed their own interests.