Kwale – For years, residents of Mkongani and its neighboring communities faced long, often perilous journeys to access basic surgical care. That changed earlier this year when Mkongani Health Centre was upgraded to a Level 4 hospital, offering vital services closer to home.
The transformation, completed in February 2025, was officially inaugurated by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani alongside President William Ruto. The upgrade marks a key milestone in Kwale County’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes.
“Upgrading our health facilities is not just about buildings it’s about saving lives, empowering communities, and bringing essential services closer to the people,” Governor Achani said at the commissioning ceremony.
Before the upgrade, patients requiring surgery, including those suffering from hydrocele or women needing emergency obstetric care, had to travel to distant facilities such as Kwale County Hospital, Kinango, Msambweni, or even the Coast General Hospital in Mombasa.
Since gaining Level 4 status, Mkongani Sub-County Hospital has served more than 11,000 patients, carrying out over 27 surgical procedures successfully. It now offers inpatient care, a fully equipped theatre, and specialist outpatient clinics in gynaecology and chronic disease management, including for hypertension and diabetes.
Dr Beatrice Chaka, the hospital’s medical superintendent, spoke of the expanding services. “The upgrade has had a profound impact on access to critical health services in this region. We’re currently building an X-ray unit, which will further broaden diagnostic capabilities locally,” she explained.
For many patients, the changes have been life-changing. Take Suleiman Konerwa, who suffered for years with hydrocele. “People thought my condition was caused by witchcraft. The stigma was unbearable. I thank God the surgery was successful,” he shared.
Expectant mothers in the area have also felt the benefits. “Before, if a woman couldn’t deliver naturally, she had to be rushed to Msambweni,” said Purity Muia. “Sadly, some didn’t make it. Often, we lost either the mother or the child.”
Governor Achani underscored her administration’s wider commitment to healthcare reform in Kwale County, where since 2022, the government has built and equipped 178 health facilities and hired over 1,800 healthcare workers.
“These investments are about dignity, access, and saving lives,” she said. “Every resident of Kwale deserves timely, quality medical care.”
Mkongani’s upgrade offers a hopeful example of how expanding healthcare infrastructure can bring tangible relief to communities long underserved.
