lowereas
Residents of Makueni County are set to benefit from improved healthcare services after Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. commissioned advanced medical equipment at Makueni County Referral Hospital on Wednesday, 4th February 2026.
The new equipment is expected to strengthen surgical and diagnostic services, reducing the need for patients to seek specialised treatment outside the county.
Among the key machines installed is a modern monopolar diathermy machine used during surgical procedures. The machine uses high-frequency electric currents to cut and seal tissues, helping to reduce blood loss and improve safety during operations.
The hospital also received infusion pumps, theatre operating lights and tables, anesthesia machines, patient monitoring systems for both theatre and emergency transit use, as well as a traction bed specifically designed for orthopedic treatment.
A major milestone in the upgrade is the acquisition of a modern laparoscopic tower purchased by the county government. The equipment supports minimally invasive surgeries and is fitted with advanced 4K ultra-high-definition cameras, monitors, light sources, oxygen insufflators, and suction systems. The technology will allow surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy while improving patient recovery time.
In addition, the hospital installed a digital X-ray system that uses electronic detectors instead of traditional film. The system produces results within minutes, improving diagnosis speed, enhancing image clarity, and lowering radiation exposure for patients.
Speaking during the commissioning, Governor Mutula acknowledged that the high cost of medical equipment remains a major challenge for county governments but noted that the investment demonstrates his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services. He added that the new equipment has enabled the hospital to expand its operating theatres from two to four, increasing its capacity to handle more patients.
Hospital management revealed that the X-ray department attends to between 70 and 80 patients on busy days, and the new technology is expected to reduce congestion and shorten waiting time for residents seeking medical attention.
Consultant general surgeon and endoscopist Dr. Alex Ombati welcomed the upgrade, saying the equipment will help reduce patient referrals to hospitals outside the county, allowing Makueni Referral Hospital to handle even complex medical cases locally.
The equipment was acquired through a partnership between the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP) and county governments, a collaboration aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the country.
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