President William Ruto has directed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to supervise the construction of more than 75 health facilities across the country, to ensure faster completion and accountability in delivery.
Why is KDF supervising hospital projects?
Speaking in Narok County during the commissioning of Sogoo Level 4 Hospital, Defence PS Patrick Mariru confirmed that the hospital will be completed within 11 months. The project caught President Ruto’s attention earlier this year when he toured the area and ordered that KDF be tasked with overseeing its upgrade.
PS Mariru clarified that while the army will supervise contractors, unskilled labor will come from the local community. “The army will supervise the contractor. It is as clear as that. All the labour will be done by the youths in Sogoo. We will put two officers and every evening they will give me a report on the progress,” he explained.
He added that KDF is not replacing government agencies but working alongside ministries such as Health and Sports to speed up projects.
What does this mean for local communities?
Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu said the hospital will be a game-changer for residents, who have long traveled to Bomet County for treatment. He confirmed Sogoo is one of four Level 4 hospitals in Narok and emphasized that President Ruto personally pledged its completion through KDF’s involvement.
Beyond healthcare, Governor Ntutu highlighted that settlers of Cheluget farm will soon receive title deeds for 5,600 acres of land, while Maasai Mau forest evictees will be resettled. He also committed to rehabilitating over 100 kilometers of roads to improve access, especially during the rainy season.
PS Mariru revealed that KDF is also supervising hospital projects in Siaya, Kapsabet, Dagoreti, Meru, Ol Kalou, Githunguri, and several other regions. By expanding its oversight nationwide, the government hopes the involvement of KDF will accelerate delivery timelines and restore public confidence in stalled health projects.
By Yockshard Enyendi
