The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations has conducted a comprehensive inspection of ongoing projects at Kahawa Garrison in Nairobi County. The visit aimed to evaluate the progress and impact of key infrastructure developments, including healthcare facilities, accommodation upgrades, and essential operational facilities.
A Closer Look at Nairobi Regional Hospital
A major highlight of the tour was the Nairobi Regional Hospital (NRH), a Level IV medical facility officially opened on April 7, 2022. The hospital serves Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel, their families, and veterans. The committee, led by Chairperson Hon. Nelson Koech, was briefed by Camp Commander Col. Z. I. Golo, Chief Medical Officer Brig. Dr. Mwika, and officials from the Ministry of Defence.
With a 150-bed capacity, NRH offers a broad range of services, including maternity care, isolation wards, diagnostic imaging, dental care, and a 24-hour laboratory. State-of-the-art equipment such as six ICU beds, CT scanners, X-ray machines, ultrasound tools, and four dialysis units ensures high-quality medical care.
As of November 2024, NRH had treated 39,312 outpatients and 2,054 inpatients, highlighting its critical role in healthcare provision for the military community. While lawmakers commended the facility’s operational efficiency, they raised concerns about financial management. Despite being fully operational, 83% of the hospital’s total project costs remain unsettled.
“Has the hospital started generating its own income? The goal of NRH should be self-reliance,” Hon. Martha Wangari remarked. The committee emphasized the need for clarity regarding pending bills and revenue generation to ensure sustainable operations.
Renovation and Development at Kahawa Garrison
The Committee also inspected ongoing renovation projects aimed at improving living conditions for KDF officers. Renovations of officers’ accommodations, initiated in November 2023, are 70% complete. Delays were attributed to funding challenges stemming from inconsistent exchequer disbursements.
Despite these setbacks, the legislators praised the Ministry of Defence for its prudent use of resources. Hon. Nelson Koech acknowledged the importance of prioritizing timely budgetary allocations to complete these critical renovations.
Additionally, members visited the bulk fuel storage facilities, a crucial project supporting KDF logistics. The inspection included a tour of the parade ground, another essential component of the garrison’s operational capabilities.
Kahawa Garrison: A Strategic KDF Hub
Kahawa Garrison, established on December 12, 1964, and tracing its roots to the British colonial era, serves as a strategic hub for KDF operations. The ongoing projects underscore the government’s commitment to modernizing the facility to meet the evolving needs of Kenya’s defence forces.
The Committee’s visit highlighted the role of NRH and other projects in enhancing the welfare of KDF personnel while contributing to the operational readiness of the forces.
Legislators Commit to Supporting Defence Projects
The Defence Committee pledged to support the Ministry of Defence in securing timely funding for projects at Kahawa Garrison. “We are impressed by the efficient use of resources so far, and we commit to ensuring critical projects receive the necessary budgetary support,” said Hon. Koech.
While applauding the progress made, the Committee emphasized the importance of addressing financial challenges to sustain ongoing initiatives. With healthcare, logistics, and accommodation improvements at the forefront, the projects at Kahawa Garrison reflect the broader goals of strengthening Kenya’s defence infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of its service members.
By prioritizing efficiency and sustainability, the Ministry of Defence and the National Assembly Committee aim to deliver impactful results that align with Kenya’s national security objectives.
