The building of an operating theatre at Kiunga Health Centre in the remote settlement on the Kenya–Somalia border is nearing completion, which would allow residents to receive surgical and emergency obstetric care nearer to home.

County officials say the new facility is expected to cut the long journeys patients currently make to reach specialised medical care, especially in emergencies such as childbirth or conditions requiring surgery.

Lamu Deputy Governor Dr Mbarak Bahjaj, also a member of the county health executive committee, inspected the site with Director of Peacebuilding and Disaster Management Shee Kupi Shee and other officials, assessing progress ahead of the planned upgrade.

Dr Mbarak indicated that once the theatre is equipped, staffed and cleared for operation, Kiunga Health Centre will be upgraded to a Level Four facility, expanding the range of services available to the local and neighbouring populations.

The project includes a solar‑power system to ensure a reliable electricity supply for medical equipment, a critical requirement for safe surgical procedures in the remote setting.

Shee emphasized that improving essential services in border communities is vital given the challenges of distance, insecurity and limited infrastructure that residents face.

The theatre is expected to serve a diverse clientele, including local civilians, security personnel and cross‑border populations, reflecting Kiunga’s strategic location near Somalia.