Governor Malombe & Defence PS Launch Sh200M Nzamba Kitonga Hospital

Hope at last: Govenor Malombe & Defence PS Mariru lay foundation stone for Nzamba Kitonga memorial hospital to specialize in respiratory diseases 

Our Reporter 

Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru and Kitui governor Julius Malombe yesterday laid a foundation stone for a specialised hospital in Mutitu, Kitui County in honour of the late constitutional lawyer Nzamba Kitonga. 

The health facility, named in honour of the late renowned constitutional lawyer who hailed from the area will specialize in respiratory and infectious diseases. It is expected to serve residents of Kitui East and other parts of the county once completed. 

The project was conceptualised by governor Malombe following lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic before the county government sought partnership and support from the national government for its implementation.

Speaking yesterday during the launch, Malombe said the hospital is part of his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality and specialised healthcare services.

“COVID-19 pandemic exposed major gaps in preparedness and management of respiratory and infectious diseases locally and globally. It is for that reason that we conceptualised the idea for respiratory disease facility in honour of our hero," the governor said. 

Kitonga, who hailed from the Mutitu area in Kitui East died in 2020 at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic as his family struggled to transport him to Nairobi for specialised care after falling ill while at home. 

Malombe noted that upper respiratory tract infections are a major health concern in the county, hence the need for a dedicated facility to handle such cases effectively.

While commending the National government for supporting the project through an allocation of Sh200 million, the governor described the health facility as a lasting tribute to the celebrated legal scholar and constitutional expert.

“The facility will not only strengthen healthcare services but will also preserve the legacy of a son of this region who made immense contributions to the country,” Malombe said.

PS Mariru stated that the government will offer the necessary support for the completion of the hospital and emphasised on the importance of collaborations between the two levels of government in order to improve public services.

“The facility will serve the people of Kitui and neighbouring regions while strengthening the country’s preparedness in handling respiratory and infectious diseases,” the PS said.

Once completed, the hospital will have a capacity of 75 beds, specialised outpatient clinics and modern treatment units.