Sh150m hospital built with Covid funds 'still under construction'

The Sh150 million Maai Mahiu Hospital which began in January 2023 and yet to be completed. [Kennedy Gachuhi, Standard]

"This demonstrates how little concern he (Kinyanjui) has for the well-being of healthcare workers. When these workers were succumbing to Covid-19, they lacked adequate PPEs while attending to patients. PPEs should have been available to safeguard them first," Kihika said.

In response, Kinyanjui acknowledged the diversion of funds but said he had no regrets concerning the project.

New project

"It is true we used money meant for PPEs to construct the Maai Mahiu Hospital. But I want to remind you that if we bought PPEs, we would have nothing to show today. Nakuru is the only county that did a project that will be seen for the next 20 years," Kinyanjui said.

"Prudence is sometimes doing something that will change the lives of people for decades. And so instead of PPEs, we have put up a building that will house more than 150 patients."

Njuguna Mwaura who chairs the Health Committee at the County Assembly of Nakuru says the project needs further funding.

"The construction itself is approximately 90 per cent complete. Minor issues and the need for equipping are currently hindering its finalisation. The exact operational date remains uncertain," he said.

However, he pointed out that an additional budget was in the works to conclude the facility, along with others initiated by the previous administration.

Additional funds

"Once this is finalised, the project could be completed within a few months. Nonetheless, securing additional funds for equipping and staff recruitment will be necessary to make it functional," Mwaura said.

Although he acknowledged that diverting Covid-19 funds to the project received criticism from certain residents and leaders, he believes the decision was prudent.

"While some people may not yet recognise the value of the investment, they will eventually. Political factors may have cast a negative light on the project, but utilizing the funds for development rather than recurring expenses was a strategic move. Additionally, it's important to note that the county had other funds allocated for PPEs," Mwaura said.