Nyeri: Mwai Kibaki hospital gets upgraded diagnostic services to ease patients’ burden

Loise Wambugu 14th November, 2025 11:08 AM

Caption:Relief for patients as Othaya facility launches CT, MRI and X-ray services. VIDEO/K24TV

Patients from Nyeri and the surrounding counties seeking imaging services will no longer need to travel long distances, following the installation of new diagnostic machines at the Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital.

Speaking at the facility on Thursday, November 14, 2025, after inspecting the ongoing installation of CT scan, MRI, and X-ray machines, the Othaya Member of Parliament Wambugu Wainaina said the upgraded services will greatly ease the burden on patients who previously had to be referred to hospitals outside the county.

“The services have been brought closer to the people, and it will now be easier to access them quickly without being referred elsewhere,” Wambugu said.

On his part, the development fulfils a promise made by President William Ruto during his visit to Othaya in April this year, where residents requested improved diagnostic facilities.

“We want to thank the president because all the requests we made during his visit are being fulfilled one by one,” he added.

On the other hand, Alfred Gitau, who is in charge of the hospital’s diagnostic unit, said the new services will be available within two weeks, matching those offered in level six hospitals.

He explained that patients will now be able to access quicker medical attention to curb the current crisis, where he revealed at least 20 patients were being referred to seek the services elsewhere.

“Currently, we refer about 20 patients per day to seek these services elsewhere, but with these machines in place, we shall provide timely diagnostics right here,” Gitau said.

He added that the upgraded services will benefit not only Nyeri County residents but also those from neighbouring counties.

“It is a win for the facility because we will now be able to offer services similar to those provided by other level six hospitals, including KNH and KU Referral Hospitals,” he said.