Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has commissioned the newly built St. Teresa Mother and Baby Hospital.
The facility was formerly known as Tomboya Hospital.
It is located in Tuwan Ward, Saboti Sub-County.
The hospital’s opening is a major health investment expected to transform maternal and child healthcare services across the county.
Who constructed St. Teresa Mother and Baby Hospital?
Constructed through a partnership between the County Government and the World Bank under the Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP I), the modern facility is projected to serve more than 120,000 residents and significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony, Governor Natembeya described the project as a milestone achievement delivered in record time.
“We broke ground for this hospital in March 2023, and by November 2025 it was complete and handed over to the county. That is what commitment to service delivery looks like,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the facility cost Ksh 145 million to construct, with an additional Ksh 54 million spent on medical equipment and oxygen piping systems.
“This hospital will handle more than 500 deliveries every month. It will ease the burden on referral hospitals and ensure our mothers and babies receive quality care closer to home,” Natembeya added.
What services are offered at St. Teresa Mother and Baby Hospital?
County health officials said the hospital’s establishment aims to increase skilled birth attendance, improve reproductive health services, and cut down long travel distances previously endured by expectant mothers seeking care.
County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Joseph Lorot termed the facility a “game changer” for the county’s healthcare system.
“This hospital will drastically improve service delivery for mothers and children. Residents from Matisi, Tuwan, Shanti, Kipsongo and Mitume will now access care without travelling long distances,” Lorot said.
He noted that the new facility will also help decongest Kijana Wamalwa Teaching and Referral Hospital, allowing faster and more efficient treatment across the county.
“We thank the World Bank for their continuous support. This hospital is now fully operational and ready to offer deliveries, vaccination, diagnostic services and comprehensive maternal and child healthcare,” he added.
County Chief Officer for Health Dr. Judith Baraza said plans are underway to ensure adequate staffing and specialized personnel to maximize the hospital’s impact.
“We are prioritizing recruitment of qualified health workers to ensure residents receive quality, timely services, especially those from informal settlements who often face the greatest barriers to care,” she said.
Director of Medical Services Dr. Isaac Babu urged residents to take advantage of the new facility.
“This is a world-class hospital equipped with modern technology. We encourage families to utilize these services and seek care early to protect both mothers and children,” he said.
Which medical equipment did AMPATH donate to Trans Nzoia County?
The commissioning ceremony also saw a major boost to the county’s healthcare infrastructure after AMPATH Uzima, with support from the United States Government, donated medical and ICT equipment worth KSh 14 million ($108,000).
The donation included an AI-powered digital X-ray machine to enhance tuberculosis diagnosis for both adults and children, as well as computers to support the rollout of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) across 73 health facilities.
Handing over the equipment, AMPATH Uzima Chief of Party Prof. Sylvester Kimaiyo said the investment would strengthen disease detection and patient care.
“The digital X-ray machine will greatly improve TB diagnosis and early screening, while the ICT equipment will enhance electronic medical records across the county,” he said.
“Together with the County Government of Trans Nzoia, we continue to strengthen health systems and improve the quality of care for people living with HIV, TB and non-communicable diseases.”
With its modern infrastructure, increased capacity and new technology, St. Teresa Mother and Baby Hospital marks a significant step toward expanding healthcare access in Trans Nzoia.
County leaders expressed optimism that the facility will not only save lives but also restore confidence in public healthcare.
For thousands of mothers and children in Saboti and surrounding communities, the hospital represents something simple yet profound quality care closer to home.
