The management of the new Mutuini County Hospital has raised concern over the rising number of undiagnosed eye problems among residents of Dagoretti, Kawangware, Kikuyu, and surrounding areas.
According to Martin Wafula, CEO of Mutuini County Hospital, a series of ongoing free medical camps has revealed a worrying trend many residents are living with untreated eye conditions without realizing it.
“In our outreach to sensitize residents about the upcoming Level 5 Mutuini Hospital, now over 85 percent complete, we’ve been holding free medical camps across several areas,” Wafula said. “So far, we have attended to more than 10,000 patients, with 3,000 receiving free spectacles. Another 150 patients diagnosed with cataracts have been scheduled for free surgeries at our facility within the next two weeks.”
The camps have also provided free check-ups for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, alongside medication and health education sessions.
Wafula noted that the initiative seeks to promote preventive healthcare while creating awareness about the soon-to-be-completed 400-bed Mutuini Level 5 Hospital, which will serve as a key referral centre for Dagoretti South and North, Kawangware, and nearby communities.
Resident ophthalmologist Dr. Prudence Maurice said many eye complications are linked to dust, allergies, and self-medication.
“Being a semi-urban area, most people rarely seek professional eye care. We’ve found many rely on over-the-counter drugs, which often worsen their conditions,” Dr. Maurice explained. “The new Mutuini Hospital will feature a fully equipped eye unit the only one in this region to ensure residents can access specialized care close to home.”
In March this year, President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja launched the construction of the new Mutuini Level 5 Hospital in Dagoretti South a state-of-the-art medical complex expected to transform healthcare delivery in Nairobi’s western corridor.
The project, now 85 percent complete, will host a 400-bed capacity and serve residents of Dagoretti South and North, Kawangware, Kikuyu, and neighbouring areas. Once operational, it will become Nairobi’s fourth Level 5 hospital, joining Mama Lucy Kibaki, Mbagathi, and Pumwani hospitals.
Governor Sakaja says the new facility will play a crucial role in decongesting Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi Hospital, which have long struggled with patient overload.
“For years, residents of Dagoretti and surrounding areas have had to travel long distances for specialized treatment. Mutuini Level 5 Hospital will bring quality healthcare closer to the people,” Sakaja said during the launch.
President Ruto commended the Nairobi County Government for its commitment to expanding healthcare access, terming the project a model of effective national–county collaboration.
“Healthcare is a right, not a privilege,” President Ruto said. “This hospital is proof of what partnership between governments can achieve. We are committed to ensuring every Kenyan can access affordable, quality medical care.”
Once complete, Mutuini Hospital will ease pressure on Nairobi’s major referral facilities, offering comprehensive services including surgery, maternity care, emergency services, and specialized eye treatment marking a major milestone in Nairobi’s healthcare transformation.
