President William Ruto on Thursday opened the Tenwek Mission Hospital Cardiothoracic Centre.
The state-of-the-art facility in Bomet County, is aimed at revolutionising specialised care.
Ruto termed it a significant step towards enhancing healthcare in Kenya.
He reiterated the government's commitment to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a key pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
"The facility is a welcome and significant milestone in Kenya’s journey to provide efficient, high-quality, and accessible healthcare," President Ruto said.
Ruto said that the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) will now cover specialised services, including cardiothoracic surgeries, at the newly opened Tenwek Mission Hospital Cardiothoracic Centre.
He further noted that SHA will ensure that millions of Kenyans can access world-class care without the burden of high costs, aligning with the government's push for universal healthcare.
Tenwek Mission Hospital, established in 1937 by the World Gospel Mission, has grown from a small mission clinic into a 400-bed modern hospital.
With the new Cardiothoracic Centre, the hospital will further expand its impact by offering advanced cardiothoracic surgeries to Kenyans, reducing the need for costly overseas treatment.
"This investment is not merely a state-of-the-art facility; it signifies radical progress in the region by establishing an unprecedented standard in specialised care," Ruto said.
The President acknowledged the critical role faith-based organisations like Tenwek play in transforming healthcare in Kenya, highlighting their inclusive strategies and commitment to serving communities for over a century.
He noted that faith-based organisations have been consistent trailblazers and pioneers, adding that their partnership is essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage UHC.
The President highlighted the government's healthcare reforms, including the recent passage of the Social Health Insurance Act, Primary Healthcare Act, Digital Health Act, and Facility Improvement Financing Act.
He said through these reforms, the government is working to improve healthcare financing, digitisation, and the provision of skilled personnel.
Ruto said under SHA, primary healthcare will be free at all dispensaries, health centres, and selected hospitals across Kenya.
The SHA will also cover specialised services like those offered at the new cardiothoracic centre, ensuring affordable access to advanced care.
"Under the Social Health Authority, the package of eligible benefits includes cover for specialised services like cardiothoracic surgeries, which will be offered at this new centre to the best global standards," Ruto stated.
The centre will also contribute to the training of healthcare professionals, foster research and innovation, and promote medical tourism in Kenya.
He called on public-private partnerships to further invest in healthcare infrastructure and services.
According to Ruto, such initiatives would reduce the strain on the healthcare system caused by cardiovascular diseases, which account for 25 per cent of hospital admissions in Kenya.
"As a Sh4.5 billion investment in the healthcare sector,
this facility tangibly reflects investor confidence, We invite more public-private partnerships to boost investments
in the development of healthcare infrastructure and the
expansion of services," Ruto said.
Ruto thanked the Tenwek community and its partners, including the Africa Gospel Church and Samaritan’s Purse, for making the new facility a reality.