By Murugi Ndwiga
Patients and families at Embu Level 5 Hospital are celebrating after Governor Cecily Mbarire waived bills worth KSh 2.569 million during the hospital’s 100-year anniversary on Saturday. The move freed at least 60 patients who had been stuck at the facility due to unpaid bills.
Speaking on Saturday during the celebration held at the hospital to mark 100 years since its inception, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire said the act was symbolic of the hospital’s transformation and its renewed commitment to serving Embu residents with dignity.
“When I took office, Embu Level 5 Hospital was literally dead. There was no food for patients, no medicines, broken machines, and staff who had lost hope. I vowed to change that—and today this hospital is alive again,” Governor Mbarire told the gathering.
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Governor Mbarire painted a vivid contrast of the hospital’s past and present. Three years ago, patients relied on relatives for meals, pharmacies were empty or stocked with expired drugs, laboratories could not perform basic tests, and critical diagnostic equipment including MRI, CT scan, and dialysis machines were dysfunctional. Staff morale had collapsed, promotions had stalled, and the facility was drowning in debt, KSh 588 million in unremitted deductions and a KSh 150 million drug bill at KEMSA.
Today, Mbarire said, the hospital is steadily rising. The maternity wing was the first to be refurbished using KSh 50 million from the Ministry of Health, transforming it into one of the busiest in the region. Deliveries have surged from 4,257 in 2023/24 to 5,552 in 2024/25, with daily births increasing from 15–20 to 50–60. The newborn wing, fully equipped with new baby cots, now attracts mothers from Kitui, Isiolo, and Kirinyaga.
“We now have one of the busiest maternity centres in the country. I am proud that mothers across Mt. Kenya East are choosing Embu because they trust our care,” Mbarire said.
According to Mbarire the facility also boasts two fully equipped maternity theatres and five general theatres. She also announced that, a KSh 18 million laparoscopy machine has been budgeted for this year, to ease maternity surgeries.
On the issue of dental surgeries, Mbarire said that the dental unit, that was once abandoned, has been revitalised with modern dental chairs and screens. She also disclosed that a new radiology equipment, including an X-ray and ultrasound machine supplied through the National Support Equipment Programme, has already conducted over 8,000 procedures; 5000 for X-rays and 3000 for ultrasound since February.
The governor added that two new mortuary cabinets holding 12 bodies each have been installed, with plans for two more, while the hospital’s kitchen and laundry have been revamped to restore dignity for patients and staff.
“Embu Level 5 will be run like a private hospital, efficient, modern, and dignified. We are not yet at a world-class level, but with teamwork and determination, we will get there,” she said.
Governor Mbarire also announced plans to refurbish the renal unit, set up a new cancer centre, and modernize the accident and emergency unit in partnership with the Emergency Medical Kenya Foundation. A new fully equipped ICU ambulance is also on the way.
The hospital’s ICU admissions have nearly doubled, from 120 in 2023/24 to 243 in 2024/25, while overall admissions now average 2,200 a month. Outpatient attendance has grown to 900 daily, pushing revenue collections to KSh 478 million in 2024/25, compared to KSh 378 million in 2021/22.
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The governor further pledged to uplift the welfare of hospital staff by ensuring all 500 workers earning below minimum wage are raised above it, alongside restarting promotions to boost morale
On his part, Embu Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo commended the governor’s achievements, saying critics had been proven wrong.
“The naysayers said we were going nowhere. But today, the transformation of this hospital speaks louder than words. I will continue working with the governor to see this dream fulfilled,” Mugo said.
The Embu County Health Boss Jamal Runyenje was not left behind. He praised Mbarire’s leadership for uniting county officials, health professionals, and stakeholders behind the reforms.
“Through her leadership, Governor Mbarire has taught us teamwork, inclusivity, and resilience. As we celebrate 100 years of this hospital, we are also celebrating a century of hope restored,” Runyenje said.
As Embu Level 5 Hospital enters its second century, the county government insists the mission is clear: restore efficiency, dignity, and excellence, and deliver world-class healthcare to the people of Embu.