What Happened
The Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital (VTRH) is set for a major transformation after the ongoing construction of its Hospital Plaza reached 98 percent completion.
Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo, accompanied by Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo, toured the facility on Tuesday evening, August 18, 2026, to inspect the progress of the project and assess the remaining works ahead of its expected completion next month.
The state-of-the-art Hospital Plaza is expected to significantly expand the capacity of VTRH to provide specialised and quality healthcare services to residents of Vihiga County and beyond.
Official Response
Governor Ottichilo said the project represents a major investment in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to essential medical services for residents.
County officials say the Hospital Plaza will house a range of critical medical and administrative services, including surgical wards, medical laboratories, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), medical wards, modern theatres, conference halls and administrative offices.
The new facility will have a bed capacity of more than 250, providing additional space for patients while improving the hospital's ability to handle specialised medical cases.
The Hospital Plaza is expected to be fully completed by September 2026, paving the way for the facility to become an important component of VTRH's expanded healthcare services.
Why This Matters
The expansion comes as Vihiga County continues to invest in upgrading healthcare infrastructure, with the goal of reducing pressure on existing facilities and improving the availability of specialised services within the county.
- Capacity: Over 250 beds
- Specialised Units: ICU, surgical wards, medical wards
- Modern Theatres: Advanced surgical facilities
- Support Services: Medical laboratories, blood donation unit
- Oxygen Plant: Critical respiratory support capability
- Status: 98% complete, opening September 2026
For residents, the new Hospital Plaza means shorter waiting times, better access to specialised care and reduced need to travel to other counties for advanced medical treatment. The facility will also create jobs for healthcare workers and support staff.
The development aligns with national efforts to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, with the national government recently announcing plans to build 250-bed specialised facilities in 10 counties including Kisumu and Mombasa under the Mama na Mtoto Kwanza initiative.
Community Impact or Background Context
During the inspection, Governor Ottichilo also toured the recently installed Oxygen Plant, which is expected to strengthen the hospital's ability to provide critical respiratory support to patients.
He further inspected ongoing renovation works at the Blood Donation Unit building, another project aimed at improving the hospital's capacity to support essential medical services.
The developments build on earlier healthcare investments in Vihiga, including the launch of a new Maternal and Child Health Integrated Complex at VTRH in January 2026 through a partnership with the M-Pesa Foundation.
In August 2026, the county also commissioned the upgraded Mulele Level 3 Hospital, which expanded from a dispensary to a 32-bed facility to strengthen primary healthcare services.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recently highlighted VTRH as one of the key healthcare investments in Western Kenya, alongside Kakamega Level Six Hospital and the planned Bungoma Level Six Hospital.
Safety & Prevention
As the Hospital Plaza nears completion, hospital management should ensure that:
- all medical equipment is properly installed and tested before opening;
- staff receive adequate training on new facilities and systems;
- infection control measures are implemented in all wards and theatres;
- emergency protocols are established for the ICU and specialised units;
- patients and visitors are informed about new services and access points.
- Ensure all medical equipment is installed and tested.
- Train healthcare staff on new facilities and systems.
- Implement infection control protocols in all wards.
- Establish emergency response procedures for ICU and theatres.
- Inform patients and visitors about new services and access.
Residents should also continue using existing hospital services while the new facility is being finalised, and follow hospital guidelines during the transition period.
What Happens Next
The Hospital Plaza is expected to be fully completed by next month, with commissioning and handover processes likely to follow.
Once operational, the facility will significantly increase VTRH's bed capacity and enable the hospital to handle more specialised cases, including complex surgeries, critical care and advanced diagnostics.
The county government says the investment is part of its broader efforts to build a modern, efficient and accessible healthcare system that can better serve the people of Vihiga.
Residents are expected to see the impact of the project once the remaining works are finalised and the facility becomes operational.
Share Your Thoughts
We would like to hear from you.
- How will the new VTRH Hospital Plaza improve healthcare access in your community?
- What additional health services would you like to see in Vihiga County?
- How can the county ensure the new facility is well-staffed and equipped to deliver quality care?
For official updates or emergency assistance, residents are advised to contact the relevant authorities.