Kenya is set to significantly expand its healthcare infrastructure after signing a major partnership with Italy and Italian healthcare investment group GKSD Group to develop 15 new hospitals across the country.
The agreement, announced on September 8, 2026, provides for the construction of 13 Level 5 county referral hospitals and two Level 6 national teaching and referral hospitals, with the facilities spread across 15 counties. President William Ruto witnessed the signing at State House in Nairobi.
The project is being implemented under Italy's Mattei Plan for Africa, an initiative designed to deepen economic and development partnerships between Italy and African countries. GKSD Group, part of Italy's San Donato Group, is the private-sector partner involved in the project.
A major investment in Kenya's healthcare system The planned hospitals are expected to strengthen access to specialised healthcare outside Kenya's largest cities, giving more communities access to higher-level medical services closer to home.
The 13 Level 5 facilities will serve as county referral hospitals, while the two Level 6 institutions will provide more advanced national teaching and referral services. Together, the network is expected to expand Kenya's capacity for specialised treatment, medical training and referrals.
The partnership represents an estimated $419 million investment, according to GKSD. The 15 counties set to receive the hospitals include Mombasa, Kisii and Nyamira, among others. The distribution is intended to broaden access to quality healthcare across different parts of the country rather than concentrating new infrastructure in Nairobi.
More than buildings
For Kenya, the agreement comes at a critical time for the country's healthcare system. Expanding hospital infrastructure could help reduce pressure on existing referral facilities while improving access to specialised services at county level.
The project also reflects a broader shift in Kenya's approach to healthcare development, with international partnerships being used to bring in investment, expertise and infrastructure. For Italy, the deal deepens its economic and development relationship with Kenya and places healthcare among the sectors where it is seeking stronger partnerships across Africa.
If delivered as planned, the 15 hospitals could become an important part of Kenya's push toward universal health coverage, while strengthening the country's medical infrastructure for millions of people.