H.E. Dr. FCPA Fernandes Barasa, OGW, today presided over the groundbreaking of the KSh. 85 million Navakholo Modern Maternity Wing at Navakholo Level 4 Hospital under the Uzazi Salama Programme.

The 83-bed facility will comprise antenatal and postnatal wards, a newborn unit, a modern maternity theatre and a newborn unit. With completion expected within 36 weeks, the project will expand the hospital’s capacity to provide maternal and newborn healthcare, bringing essential services closer to families.

Delivered through a partnership between the County Government of Kakamega, M-PESA Foundation and AMREF, the project builds on 11 other maternity facilities developed by Governor Barasa’s administration across the county over the past four years.

In his address, Governor Barasa said his administration would continue pursuing impactful partnerships to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve access to quality services and ensure mothers and newborns receive the care they need.

The Governor also highlighted progress on the Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital, a flagship project being implemented jointly by the County and National Governments, alongside ongoing improvements at other health facilities across Kakamega County.

Beyond healthcare, Navakholo is benefitting from investments in education, including ECDE infrastructure and KSh. 11.88 million in bursaries for 3,959 learners from needy families. Other projects include road improvements, water initiatives, market development, bridges and health facility upgrades, as the County Government continues to invest in essential services and local development.

The groundbreaking was attended by members of the County Executive led by Health CECM, Dr. Livingstone Imbayi, Members of the County Assembly led by Bunyala Central Ward MCA Hon. Benjamin Were, M-PESA Foundation Trustee Patricia Ithau, AMREF representative Dr. Meshack Ndirangu, Ministry of Health representative Dr. Edward Serem and other development partners.