New Neonatal Intensive Care Unit launched in 2024. Photo/Mbagathi Hospital
By Daisy Okiring
Once synonymous with complaints of negligence and poor service, Mbagathi County Referral Hospital in Nairobi is redefining itself as a model of county healthcare. The turnaround follows Governor Johnson Sakaja’s decision to introduce a CEO-led management model, bringing in health professionals to lead key facilities.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), launched in 2024, has quickly become a symbol of Mbagathi’s revival. Since opening, the unit has treated 493 newborns admitted internally and 126 referrals from other hospitals, nearly 620 babies in total.
“This is a strong number that reflects improved service delivery. The NICU has transformed Mbagathi into a true county referral hospital, easing the burden on mothers who previously had to seek services far away,” said CEO Alexander Irungu.
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Families that once endured long journeys for neonatal care now find lifesaving treatment closer to home. The success has boosted public confidence in Nairobi’s healthcare system.
Landmark surgeries
Mbagathi has also recorded milestones in advanced medical procedures. Last month, doctors performed their first ventriculo-peritoneal shunt surgery on 27-year-old Freddy Christopher, who had been battling a high-grade brain tumor. Led by neurosurgeon Dr. Tom Mboya, the procedure restored stability and improved his quality of life.
In May 2024, a team led by plastic and reconstructive specialist Dr. Chaudry Areeb carried out the hospital’s first major reconstructive surgery on Bernard Sigei, 29, who had suffered extensive tendon, nerve, and vascular injuries. The three-hour operation, supported by the hospital’s CT scan, restored function in his hand.
“These successes show that with modern equipment, our doctors can deliver at the highest level. Patients now trust Mbagathi again,” CEO Irungu said.
Expanding clinical capacity
Beyond critical care and surgeries, the hospital hosts Nairobi’s only quality-accredited laboratory and is developing a blood screening unit to address shortages across county hospitals. It has also become a destination for research, attracting both local and international scholars for benchmarking.
Ongoing projects include the construction of a Critical Care Unit, the establishment of a human milk bank, a new dental unit, and the acquisition of advanced diagnostic and treatment machines.
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A new model for county hospitals
Governor Sakaja’s strategy of appointing professional CEOs to head Nairobi’s hospitals is reshaping healthcare delivery. First applied to Level 5 hospitals and now expanding to Level 4 facilities, the model has improved efficiency, patient confidence, and service quality.
For Mbagathi, once written off as a failing institution, the turnaround signals a new era. With expanding services and renewed trust, the hospital is emerging not only as a county referral center but also as a hub of medical innovation.
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