The Mountain Journal
editor@themountainjournal.co.ke
In a major boost to healthcare and youth empowerment, the County Government of Murang’a today officially launched two landmark initiatives: the expansion of Murang’a County Referral Hospital (MCRH) and the graduation of the third cohort of the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS).
The twin events were presided over by Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Embakasi West MP David Mwenje, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, and celebrated media personality and clergy Bishop Muthee Kiengei in a colourful ceremony held At Murang’a Level 5 Hospital grounds.
The new hospital block, a major infrastructure upgrade at MCRH, increases the hospital’s bed capacity from 285 to over 400 beds and doubles the number of operating theatres from two to four.
The expansion is expected to significantly reduce surgical waiting times — particularly for pregnant women and other emergency cases.
“This is a historic moment for Murang’a,” said Kanga’ata adding that the hospital new wing will ease congestion that has been experienced.
Kang’ata affirmed that his administration was focusing at improving access to quality and timely medical care to the people.
The new facility includes a modern Casualty Department catering to both adults and children, along with a wing for specialist outpatient clinics, fully equipped laboratory, pharmacy, and radiology services. The expansion also frees up space in the existing hospital block to expand the Newborn Unit (NBU), general wards, and establish a rehabilitation centre.
Later in the afternoon, the spotlight turned to youth empowerment as over 1,000 young men and women graduated from the Murang’a Youth Service.
This graduation of the 4th Cohort brings the number of MYS graduates so far to 6,300 since the programme was started.
Recruited through a transparent balloting process, MYS youth are paid KES 400 daily for their participation in town cleaning and beautification efforts. Out of that, Sh100 is paid to the parent.
They are also enrolled in vocational training at youth polytechnics. Upon graduation, each receives a KES 15,000 startup grant and enjoys a one-year tax holiday to launch their small businesses.
” The programme
Mr Owino said the youth programme should be replicated across the country, urging the national government to stop killing of youths and instead create jobs.
“It’s a model for how county governments can address unemployment while instilling discipline and dignity among the youth,” said Mr Owino.
Bishop Kiengei lauded the County for its visionary leadership and urged the youth to remain focused and innovative as they venture into business and skilled trades.
The launch of these two flagship programmes signals a firm commitment by the Murang’a County Government to invest in the health and economic future of its residents.
