Kesses Sub County Hospital to Become Centre of Excellence in Chronic Disease Care

Kesses Sub County Hospital is set to undergo a major transformation as it becomes an Integrated Centre of Excellence for Chronic Disease Clinics, marking a critical step in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and strengthening HIV care in Uasin Gishu County.

The announcement was made during a high-level meeting between Uasin Gishu County health officials and representatives from AMPATH, a long-standing partner in health systems strengthening in the region.

County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Joseph Lagat, confirmed that the hospital will now serve as a regional leader in chronic disease management.

“This Centre of Excellence will bring together a multidisciplinary team of experts in HIV and NCD care,” said Lagat. “With the integration of Artificial Intelligence and digital systems, we aim to enhance data capture and enable smarter, faster decision-making at all levels of care.”

The initiative will focus on the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and long-term management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, mental health disorders, and HIV, offering a more holistic and coordinated model of care.

Prof. Sylvester Kimaiyo, Chief of Party for AMPATH Uzima, underscored the strategic importance of the centre in ensuring access to advanced care while reinforcing primary health systems.

“It will serve not only as a referral hub for complex cases but also as a critical support system for lower-level facilities,” said Prof. Kimaiyo. “We envision streamlined care pathways from community health units to high-volume centres for severe NCDs and advanced HIV cases.”

He also pointed out that the partnership will emphasize sustainable access to essential NCD medications and diagnostics, which remains a key barrier to effective treatment in many areas.

The county’s Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Paul Wangwe, expressed the department’s readiness to roll out the integrated services.

“We are fully committed to this integration because it aligns perfectly with our long-term vision to strengthen primary healthcare networks and deliver people-centered care,” Dr. Wangwe noted.

The centre is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing preventable deaths, improving patient outcomes, and transforming the quality of life for thousands across Uasin Gishu and surrounding counties.

Also present at the meeting were Director of Health Services Dr. Evans Kiprotich and AMPATH’s Prof. Kara Wools-Kaloustian, both of whom affirmed their commitment to the successful implementation of the initiative.

The Kesses Centre of Excellence is part of a broader strategy to reimagine Kenya’s health system by integrating technology, innovation, and collaboration into chronic disease care.