By Reporter
The Departmental Committee on Health has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Sh29.1 billion ultra-modern hospital project in Uasin Gishu County.
A delegation led by Hon. Julius Sunkuli (Kilgoris) visited the site of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) 2,000-bed multi-specialty hospital in Kiplombe, on the outskirts of Eldoret, during a budget oversight visit.
“We are happy with the progress so far. Once complete, this will be the country’s and region’s most advanced medical complex,” said Hon. Sunkuli.
Earlier, during a briefing, MTRH CEO Dr Philip Kirwa told the Committee that the facility would comprise 25 distinct blocks, with 2,000 inpatient beds, including 134 intensive care unit (ICU) beds, 348 outpatient clinics, 36 operating theatres, four catheterisation laboratories and advanced oncology and radiology infrastructure.
The Committee was also taken on a guided tour of the upcoming project before meeting the project contractors, who briefed members on the ongoing works. The contractors said construction was proceeding around the clock, with completion targeted for April next year.
During the meeting, Committee members Hon. Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Hon. Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Hon. Mary Maingi (Mwea), Hon. Pauline Lenguris (Samburu County) and Hon. Titus Khamala (Lurambi) sought to establish whether any challenges were hindering progress.
The contractors cited inadequate financing, water shortages and a shortage of technical personnel.
The Committee assured the project team of budgetary support but questioned the claims of water shortages and inadequate technical staff.
“As a serious international contractor, you ought to have sunk boreholes. A project of such magnitude needs a reliable source of water,” said Hon. Oron.
“You cannot have a technical problem of inadequate staff. If you are genuine, you need technical personnel. There are many qualified Kenyans out here who are willing to work,” observed Hon. Kibagendi.
The contractors said they had drilled four boreholes, but only one had water. Dr Kirwa told the Committee that MTRH had since partnered with Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) to ensure a reliable water supply to the project.
