Construction of the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, a 750-bed Level 6 healthcare facility in Lurambi Sub-County, is progressing steadily towards completion in December 2026, marking the revival of one of western Kenya’s most significant public infrastructure projects.
The multi-billion-shilling development had remained stalled for more than four years, with incomplete structures showing signs of deterioration and raising concerns over the future of the project. Progress resumed after the National Government assumed responsibility for the development and appointed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to oversee and execute the remaining works.
Once completed, the hospital will serve as a major regional referral centre, featuring specialised medical infrastructure including an oncology complex equipped with radiotherapy bunkers and linear accelerator facilities. The project also incorporates a maternal and neonatal care block with operating theatres, delivery suites and neonatal intensive care units, alongside renal and critical care departments equipped with haemodialysis services, intensive care units and blood banking facilities.
Supporting infrastructure includes a diagnostics and emergency centre designed for 24-hour emergency response, as well as a commercial public plaza intended to enhance convenience for patients, visitors and hospital staff.
Beyond healthcare delivery, the facility is expected to play a strategic role in medical education and workforce development. The hospital has been earmarked as a key training centre for Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and other health training institutions, strengthening the region’s capacity for clinical training and research.
The project is also expected to deliver significant socio-economic benefits, with projections indicating the creation of more than 5,000 jobs across clinical, administrative and support services once the facility becomes fully operational.
