Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Expands Access to Paediatric Care with Launch of Utawala Medical Centre
By Jacquelyne Arusei | NAIROBI,
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Eastern and Central Africa’s most established dedicated paediatric hospital, has called for increased investment in strengthening healthcare access for children across the region. The appeal comes as the institution officially launched its newest facility, the Utawala Medical Centre, marking its 18th branch in a steadily expanding network aimed at bridging persistent gaps in children’s healthcare delivery.
The launch is set against a national healthcare context where the Ministry of Health reports that Kenya’s under-five mortality rate stands at 41 deaths per 1,000 live births. This statistic underscores the urgent need to improve access to quality, timely, and affordable healthcare services for children, particularly in fast-growing urban and peri-urban communities.
Speaking during the launch event, Dr. Robert Nyarango, Chief Executive Officer of Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, emphasised the importance of decentralising paediatric services to meet rising demand and ensure families can access care closer to where they live.
“As communities continue to grow, it is essential that healthcare services grow with them. Our goal is to bring specialised paediatric care closer to families, reduce travel time, and ensure children receive timely medical attention when they need it most,” said Dr. Nyarango.
The Utawala Medical Centre is expected to enhance access to a range of outpatient paediatric services, strengthening the hospital’s commitment to early diagnosis, preventive care, and continuous child health management. The expansion reflects Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital’s broader mission of improving child health outcomes through accessible, high-quality care across Kenya and the wider region.
With the addition of the Utawala facility, the hospital continues to reinforce its role as a leading provider of specialised paediatric services, while responding to growing population needs in expanding urban centres.
