Nairobi: The construction of the Mother and Baby Unit at Tot Sub-County Hospital, Elgeyo Marakwet County, is now at 80 percent completion, marking a major milestone in efforts to enhance access to quality maternal and child healthcare in the Kerio Valley region. Governor Wisley Rotich, who inspected the ongoing works, described the project as the most extensive infrastructural upgrade at the facility since its establishment.

According to Kenya News Agency, the development also includes a modern outpatient department designed to improve service delivery and reduce congestion. Governor Rotich remarked that this is the largest infrastructural investment in Tot Sub-County Hospital to date, and once fully operational, the facility will provide timely, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services to thousands of residents in Kerio Valley and surrounding areas.

The Mother and Baby Unit is expected to significantly improve maternal and neonatal outcomes by offering a safe and well-equipped environment for deliveries, postnatal care, and child wellness services. Simultaneously, the new Outpatient Department will increase the hospital’s capacity to manage patient flow, enhance diagnostic services, and reduce waiting times.

Governor Rotich emphasized that the project aligns with his administration’s broader agenda to improve health systems across all sub-counties, especially in hard-to-reach areas. He stated that they are committed to ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to modern healthcare services without the need to travel long distances.

The Tot facility upgrade is part of the county’s strategic push towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Upon completion, the upgraded hospital is expected to ease pressure on Iten County Referral Hospital and neighboring health facilities by decentralizing key health services and bringing them closer to the people.