Once a facility marked by devastating stories of negligence and endless complaints about poor medical attention, Mbagathi County Referral Hospital has overcome its challenges after Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson introduced a new administrative model, placing it under the leadership of competent CEOs in the health field.
Today, Mbagathi is writing a new story of progress and success.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Mbagathi Hospital has quickly become a lifeline for mothers and families across Nairobi.
Since its launch in 2024 by Governor Sakaja, the unit has provided specialized lifesaving care to 493 newborns admitted internally, alongside 126 referrals from other hospitals within and outside the county 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.
The NICU’s success continues to restore public confidence in Nairobi’s healthcare system. A few years ago, Irungu confirmed, many families had to travel long distances for such services, and many deaths were reported. However, since the launch of the unit by Governor Sakaja, the story has changed.
Furthermore, positioning itself as the leading county referral hospital, Mbagathi has also been carrying out complex surgeries. Last month, for example, doctors gave 27-year-old Freddy Christopher a new lease of life after successfully performing a delicate brain surgery to manage a high-grade tumor. The condition had left him blind, unstable on his feet, and struggling with bladder control despite chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Led by neurosurgeon Dr. Tom Mboya, the team carried out the hospital’s first-ever ventriculo-peritoneal shunt procedure, marking a milestone in specialized care at the county facility.
In May 2024, a team led by Dr. Chaudry Areeb, a plastic and reconstruction specialist, performed the hospital’s first major reconstructive plastic surgery on 29-year-old Bernard Sigei, who had suffered multiple tendon, nerve, and vascular injuries to his hand. The three-hour procedure, guided by a newly installed CT scan, restored function and offered him a fresh start.
The CEO attributes this progress to modern equipment at the facility.
“We have been able to equip the hospital with modern equipment that enables our doctors to attend to patients thoroughly. Further, this has boosted confidence in many patients who are now flocking to our hospitals,” Irungu said.
Beyond clinical care, the hospital hosts the only quality-accredited laboratory in Nairobi County and is setting up a blood screening unit to mitigate chronic shortages in the city’s health facilities. It is now emerging as a hub for medical research, attracting local and international scholars for benchmarking on quality healthcare.
“Mbagathi Hospital is on a pathway to growth, with ongoing projects such as a Critical Care Unit (CCU), a human milk bank that will soon be established, a new dental unit, and the acquisition of modern diagnostic and treatment equipment,” said CEO Irungu.
Governor Sakaja’s decision to appoint professional Chief Executive Officers to head Nairobi’s hospitals has reshaped service delivery. The CEO-led model, first rolled out in Level 5 hospitals and now expanding to Level 4, has improved efficiency, restored trust, and contributed to a landmark achievement.
