Fifty remote health facilities in Tharaka Nithi County have been selected to benefit from a donor-funded initiative, aimed at improving access to reliable electricity and high-speed internet connectivity.

‎Governor Muthomi Njuki said the County is among those selected nationally to benefit from the First Phase of the programme, which targets 150 hospitals across the country, that lack reliable electricity and internet connectivity.

‎Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Muthambi Sub-county Level IV Hospital’s new Outpatient Department in Maara Constituency, Njuki said the initiative would enhance healthcare delivery, by ensuring that medical equipment, computers and other essential systems operate efficiently.

‎He noted that the remaining health facilities, would be considered in the Second Phase of the programme, scheduled for 2028.

‎The Governor said Maara Constituency alone would have 15 health facilities connected to electricity and high-speed Starlink internet, under the initiative.

‎Njuki also outlined plans to upgrade Muthambi Health Centre into a Level IV hospital, saying the facility would comprise two main blocks, including an operational theatre equipped to support surgical services, medical specialists and consultants, as well as a maternity wing.

‎He added that the County government, in partnership with Safaricom Foundation, would construct a Mother-and-Child health unit at the facility, at a cost of Sh47 million.

‎“The Mother-and-Child unit, will improve access to maternity services and help reduce maternal deaths. Safaricom has already started the tendering process, and within two weeks, everything will be ready for the project,” said Njuki.

‎ He noted that the project would be the second hospital, to be constructed by Safaricom Foundation in the County, after Mpukoni Hospital.

‎The Governor further said his election as Chairman of the Council of Governors, was an opportunity for Tharaka Nithi to attract more development initiatives, urging residents to support the ongoing efforts to transform the County.

‎ Njuki acknowledged the National Government’s role in implementing major infrastructure projects in the County, citing the ongoing construction of the Nithi Bridge, which he said would extend over two kilometres.

‎He cautioned residents against expecting the bridge to be completed hurriedly, noting that its complexity required thorough construction work to guarantee its quality and durability.

‎“The National Government is doing its work, and this is evident in our County. The Nithi Bridge is not an ordinary bridge, and that is why the contractor needs adequate time to undertake thorough work,” he said.

By Dickson Mwiti and Beatrice Mwende