The successful transfer of Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) management to the Nairobi City County Government was seen a major milestone.
However, months later, the anticipated benefits have yet to materialise, leaving thousands of low-income residents in surrounding areas like Kariobangi North, Kariobangi South, and Korogocho waiting for the county to operationalise the facility.
The once-vibrant hospital now appears largely deserted. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had strongly lobbied for the transfer, a request swiftly approved by President William Ruto.
The formal handover process was signed in early 2024. Despite high hopes, especially during the hospital’s second inauguration by Governor Sakaja in June 2024, the facility is yet to reach its full potential.
The state-of-the-art, four-storey building—designed as a Level 6 hospital—remains underutilised, with minimal patient and staff activity.
Businesses around the hospital, which had begun to thrive, have since shut down following the removal of KNH’s equipment.
The vibrant economic ecosystem surrounding the hospital has ground to a halt. “As you can see, these shops were booked by business people who saw an opportunity. Even a hotel was supposed to open here, but the owner had to refund people because no one comes here like before,” said Baba Ramah, a long-time resident of Kariobangi North.
Clients access Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital(MMU) Hospital in Korogocho on January 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation
Despite its capacity to accommodate 400 patients, the hospital’s car park is nearly empty, save for a few staff vehicles.
The wards, radiology room, and theatre remain unused.
Attempts to contact Martin Wafula, the CEO of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, and the acting CEO of Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital, were unsuccessful as he did not pick up calls or respond to messages.
“The areas we are still working on include the medical-surgical department. Human resources remain the major challenge,” Dr Kimaiyo explained.
Currently, the hospital handles outpatient services and emergency cases, such as maternal care and minor operations, with some cases referred from Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.
The mortuary remains closed, as key equipment was not installed. Dr Kimaiyo assured us that the county is in advanced stages of procuring the missing components.
“We are in the process of getting the remaining plates that hold the bodies in the mortuary,” he said.
Chief Executive Committee Member for Health, Susan Silantoi, noted that the county has purchased drugs from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa), including lab reagents and nursing consumables.
A view of Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital(MMU) Hospital in Korogocho on January 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation
The facility, she says, currently has 20 medical officers, four consultants, 23 clinical officers, 26 nurses, and a total of 162 staff members, 132 of them on a permanent and pensionable basis.
Yet, patients like Pamela Auma, who rely on the hospital for treatment, report a lack of essential drugs.
“I came here for my tuberculosis (TB) drugs and those for my child, but I was told they only had mine. I now have to buy the rest elsewhere,” she lamented.
The facility’s operational gaps have reignited debate over whether the county government is capable of running a level 6 hospital.
Dr Kimaiyo admitted that resources remain a big challenge, but that they are slowly bringing it to life as more patients keep visiting them daily.
“Average deliveries per month have increased. In December, we had about 150 deliveries, which is a very good number for the start. The number of outpatients has grown,” Dr Kimaiyo said.
Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve criticised the transfer, claiming it prioritised revenue over quality healthcare.
“The county hospitals do not have an Indigent Fund. For them, this hospital is a revenue stream. It’s neighbouring slums where people can’t afford treatment,” Mr Munuve said, urging Governor Sakaja to address the issue or allow KNH to take back control.
Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital(MMU) Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Meli Kimaiyo during an interview at his office on January 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation
He went on: “To Governor Sakaja, I want to tell him: Please think about the people that are living below a dollar a day. This hospital is not working, it is just like a cinema. Just admit that you cannot run this hospital and we will go and sit down with the national government and Kenyatta National Hospital will take it back.”
County Assembly Health Committee Chairperson Maurice Ochieng acknowledged the slow progress, but expressed optimism.
“The finance department needs to inject the appropriated funds to operationalize the hospital. The Health CEC must explain the delays. However, I urge residents to give the county more time,” he stated.
Opened by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in March 2022, the hospital was meant to serve 192,620 residents across 7.2 square kilometres, predominantly low-income earners.
As challenges persist, the fate of Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital hangs in the balance, with residents left hoping for swift action to revive the critical facility.
