By Timothy Nzai | June 14, 2026
GARISSA, KENYA — The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare services across the country following the official opening of a newly renovated inpatient ward at Garissa County Referral Hospital.
During a visit to the facility, the Cabinet Secretary for Health commissioned a modernized 28-bed inpatient ward aimed at improving patient care, easing congestion and expanding access to quality medical services for residents in Garissa County and surrounding areas.
The upgraded ward is expected to improve patient comfort while strengthening the hospital’s ability to respond to growing healthcare demands in the region.
Speaking during the visit, the Health Cabinet Secretary said the Government remains focused on strengthening healthcare infrastructure as part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensure every Kenyan has access to quality and affordable healthcare.
“This investment reflects the Government’s continued commitment to modernizing health facilities and ensuring communities, especially those in remote and underserved areas, receive better healthcare services,” the CS said.
The newly renovated ward forms part of broader national efforts aimed at expanding essential health services, upgrading medical facilities and improving treatment environments across the country.
In addition to commissioning the ward, the Cabinet Secretary toured the hospital’s Ebola preparedness facilities, including a dedicated isolation centre established to enhance Kenya’s readiness for possible disease outbreaks.
The facility includes a 20-bed unit for confirmed Ebola cases and a separate 10-bed unit for suspected cases, forming part of a wider national preparedness programme.
Health officials noted that the centre is among 23 isolation and treatment facilities established through collaboration between the National Government and County Governments to strengthen the country’s emergency response systems.
Although Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases, authorities say preparedness efforts remain at a high level due to outbreaks reported in neighboring countries.
According to the Ministry of Health, more than 34,000 healthcare workers have undergone specialized training on disease surveillance, infection prevention, case management and emergency response procedures.
The Government has also intensified screening at entry points, with over 100,000 travellers screened as part of ongoing efforts to detect and prevent the spread of infectious diseases into the country.
Additionally, four specialized laboratories have been equipped and designated for Ebola testing and diagnosis to support rapid detection and response.
Officials further revealed that rapid response teams have been activated, surveillance systems strengthened and essential medical supplies and personal protective equipment distributed to improve readiness across different regions.
The Health Cabinet Secretary assured Kenyans that the Government remains fully committed to protecting public health through strong partnerships with county governments, healthcare workers and development partners.
“We remain vigilant and fully prepared to respond to any public health emergency while continuing to strengthen healthcare systems for all Kenyans,” the CS said.
The visit was attended by Director of the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services Dr. Martin Sirengo, Director of Family Health Dr. Bashir Issak, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Secretary for Administration Adan Harakhe, alongside Garissa Governor Nathif Jama and other senior national and county government officials.
