For more than a century, Nakuru War Memorial Hospital has provided a lifeline for thousands, offering an alternative to Nakuru Level Five Hospital, the largest referral facility in the South Rift.
Established in 1921 to honour those who died in World War I, the hospital served both ordinary citizens and the elite, becoming a symbol of medical excellence with quality services, well-trained staff and a rich history.
The hospital played a crucial role in treating accident victims on the busy Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret highway before the most critical cases were referred to specialised facilities such as Kenyatta National Hospital or Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
However, that legacy is now at risk, as the hospital has been caught in a vicious legal battle since last year, leading to its closure.
A bitter ownership dispute between the Nakuru County Government and the hospital’s management resulted in its shutdown last year, leaving millions of shillings’ worth of medical equipment gathering dust.
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu has warned that the prolonged closure could lead to massive financial losses, with critical hospital equipment and installations becoming obsolete or unserviceable.
The entrance to the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital in Nakuru City.
Photo credit: File| Nation Media Group
“Nakuru War Memorial Hospital has various installations, equipment, buildings, and other assets worth millions of shillings that the national and county governments have invested in over the years.
These assets risk becoming obsolete, lost, or misused due to being idle for months. In such circumstances, taxpayers’ money will be wasted,” Ms Gathungu stated in her latest audit report for the 2023/2024 financial year, released last week.
The financial strain, according to the audit, is further exacerbated by a Sh2.3 million electricity and water bill debt, which has stalled efforts to reopen the facility. Despite a Court of Appeal directive forming an Interim Management Committee four months ago to facilitate its reopening, the hospital remains shut.
Armed police officers and reinforcement officers from the County Government of Nakuru man the gate to War Memorial Hospital on January 23, 2024.
Photo credit: BONIFACE MWANGI/NMG
Documents show that the facility’s outstanding bills accumulated over several months in 2023. The delay in settling these debts has, in turn, halted the inventory process needed to assess damage to hospital equipment.
Hospital Director Simon Mwangi, in a letter to Court of Appeal Registrar Lina Akoth, confirmed that utility debts have stalled efforts to revive the facility.
“The electricity and water bills have delayed the reopening. This has also stalled the inventory process needed to assess damage to hospital items. Some of the hospital machines can only be assessed if electricity is restored,” reads part of the letter filed in court.
A five-member committee, led by Roger Joslyn, was appointed by the Court of Appeal last year to oversee the hospital’s reopening. However, a spot check at the facility reveals that it remains closed, with little progress made.
The once-bustling hospital, located next to Nakuru State House, now stands desolate—a stark reminder of the legal tussle that has paralysed its operations.
Before its closure, the facility handled hundreds of patients daily, but they now have limited options. Many are forced to rely on the overcrowded Nakuru Level Five Hospital or seek costly treatment in private facilities.
Nakuru County askaris restrict patients from accessing the War Memorial Hospital on January 22, 2024.
Photo credit: BONIFACE MWANGI|NATION
Residents say the closure has left a significant gap in healthcare services and cost hundreds of hospital staff their jobs.
“Nakuru War Memorial Hospital was one of Nakuru’s best, with a tradition built over the years since pre-independence days. Its services were top-notch, and both its staff and equipment had been tested and trusted for decades. Many families still treasure its rich historical legacy,” said resident James Wakibia.
He added: “Its closure is tragic and has robbed Nakuru of a celebrated hospital with a rich legacy that even attracted international tourists from the United Kingdom and other parts of the world.”
The closure of Nakuru War Memorial Hospital has left many residents who trusted and depended on the facility deeply worried. Another resident, Peter Opondo, recalled how the hospital was once Nakuru’s best-equipped private healthcare facility.
“Many hospitals used to refer patients there for specialised treatment. Without it, many are suffering. I remember in 2015, a baby with complications was transferred there, and despite the parents struggling to clear the bill, the child received the best care,” he said.
Over the years, Nakuru War Memorial Hospital has treated some of Kenya’s most prominent figures.
