By Murugi Ndwiga
Embu County has hit a major milestone in its health sector with the unveiling of a modern High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Embu Level Five Hospital.
The new six-bed facility, complete with advanced monitoring systems and specialized equipment, is expected to transform patient care by bridging the critical gap between general wards and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
For years, patients recovering from intensive care had to be discharged directly into the general wards, a move that left them vulnerable and at greater risk. The new HDU now provides an intermediate level of care, allowing patients to transition safely while under close observation.
Governor Cecily Mbarire, in a speech delivered on her behalf, Mbarire described the launch as a turning point for healthcare delivery in the region.
“This High Dependency Unit represents hope and dignity for our people. It means that patients requiring advanced support no longer have to be referred far away for specialized care. We are building a health system that prioritizes life, quality, and accessibility,” the governor’s message read.
The HDU is not just a facility upgrade, it is part of the governor’s broader healthcare reforms aimed at modernizing health infrastructure, recruiting specialists, and improving both preventive and curative services across Embu County.
During the launch, Embu County Health CECM Jamal Runyenje issued a stern warning to individuals politicizing health services.
“As the Health CECM, I will not involve myself with politics. We have a lot of work to do in the health sector and no time to be distracted. Our mandate is clear, to provide the best healthcare for our people in Embu County,” he said firmly.
Runyenje noted that with the new HDU, Embu Level Five Hospital will significantly reduce the number of patients who risk complications when moved straight from the ICU to the general wards.
Runyenje revealed that the county is also working on establishing a state-of-the-art emergency and trauma centre, as well as strengthening the ambulance and emergency response system.
“When I took office, the county had only one ambulance. Today, we have six, although one was involved in an accident. Our target is at least ten ambulances, alongside a central management system to ensure efficiency. We want every emergency case to receive the fastest response possible,” he explained.
He also called on residents to enrol in the Social Health Authority (SHA), which now covers ICU charges that were previously a heavy financial burden on families.
“The old NHIF model did not cover ICU costs, forcing families to pay out-of-pocket. With SHA, those services are now catered for, easing the burden on households,” Runyenje said.
Patrick Kinyua Njagi, Chairman of Embu Level Five Hospital, echoed the need to keep health services free from political battles.
“There is no patient who belongs to government or opposition. A patient is a patient. Let medics do their work without political interference. Only then can we deliver the best services,” he stressed.
The Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr. Benjamin Kisilu, described the HDU as a timely intervention that will save lives not just in Embu but also in neighbouring counties including Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Isiolo, Kitui, Machakos, and Kirinyaga.
“Most ICU patients faced the great risk of being moved directly into the wards. With this new unit, that risk is eliminated. This is a lifesaving step forward,” Dr. Kisilu said.
The new HDU currently has six beds, with the capacity to expand as demand increases.
Beyond providing transitional care for ICU patients, it positions Embu Level Five Hospital as a premier referral centre capable of handling complex cases and emergencies.
Governor Mbarire’s administration has made healthcare one of its flagship agendas, focusing on equipping facilities, streamlining medical services, and ensuring residents have access to quality and affordable healthcare.
The opening of the High Dependency Unit, coupled with plans for an emergency and trauma centre and a stronger ambulance system, signals a new era for Embu County’s health sector, one where lives are saved, referrals reduced, and dignity restored in healthcare delivery.