Murang’a County Government unveiled an emergency and critical unit block with 115 beds in its ambitious plan to expand healthcare services.

Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s administration established the facility at the Murang’a Level Five Hospital to attain a 400-bed capacity, thus ending the tradition of patients sharing beds.

In a function attended by MPs Babu Owino (Embakasi East), David Mwenje (Embakasi West), Peter Salasya (Mumias East), and JCM Bishop Benson Gathungu, the graduation of the third cohort of the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS) after completion of training at the local polytechnics was also conceded. 

Kang’ata said the expansion of the Murang’a Level Five Hospital is a landmark initiative to provide the residents with improved health care services.

“We have now increased the hospital’s bed capacity from 285 to over 400 beds and doubled the number of operating theatres from two to four,” said Kang’ata.

He added that the new wing will not only reduce congestion but also improve access to quality and timely medical care for the patients.

On the youth service, the county government has provided education to more than 6,300 youths and provided market skills.

“The graduation of the fourth cohort of 1,000 youths brought the number of MYS graduates to 6,300 who have undergone the program since it was initiated,” said Kang’ata. 

Upon graduation, each receives a Sh15,000 startup grant and enjoys a one-year tax holiday to launch their small businesses.

Embakasi East MP Owino said the youth program should be replicated across the country, urging the national government to stop killing youths and instead create jobs. 

“It’s a model for how county governments can address unemployment while instilling discipline and dignity among the youth,” said Mr. Owino. 

Bishop Gathungu lauded the visionary leadership demonstrated by Murang’a, urging the youth to remain focused and innovative as they venture into business and skilled trades.

“This is what should be copied by other counties, as the two flagship programs signal a firm commitment by the Murang’a County Government to invest in the health and economic future of its residents,” said Gathungu.