By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Eldoret is one of the fastest-growing urban centres in the county. A 2019 Population Census also ranked the town as the fifth most populated urban area after Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Ruiru.
The town serves as the capital of Uasin Gishu County. It is however considered a key centre for the North Rift region for economic purposes.
Its strategic location along the Northern Corridor also makes it a key transit town.
The town’s history dates back to the pre-colonial era when a group of South African farmers pitched camp on its outskirts.
It served as the centre for farm produce, and agricultural activities helped shape its growth.
Historians say the name Eldoret is derived from a Maasai name Eldore, meaning stone – a reference to River Sosiani that passes near the town.
“White settlers settled on ‘Eldore’ for the name of the time but a typing error saw the letter ‘t’ added at the end, and the name has since been Eldoret,” said Meshack Kolum, a Kalenjin elder.
While agriculture has played a key role in the growth of Eldoret town, demand for medical services has also had its fair share of contributions.
The has the highest concentration of health facilities – arguably ranking second in the country after the capital Nairobi.
Eldoret is home to the second largest public health facility – the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
The hospital serves not only locals within Uasin Gishu but also those in at least 23 counties in the North Rift and western Kenya as well as parts of neighbouring Uganda and South Sudan.
Aside from MTRH, the town also has several other private hospitals that have placed it as a medical hub not only in the North Rift but nationally.
The hospitals offer a variety of specialized services from advanced surgery, orthopaedic, cancer screening and organ transplants.
We take a look at some of the hospitals and services they offer.
Eldoret Hospital
This is one of the oldest health facilities in Eldoret town. It officially started its operations in 1975 and prides itself as one of the largest private hospitals in Rift Valley.
Eldoret Hospital has a diverse team of specialists from ENT specialists, paediatricians, and gynaecologists to dentists and more who offer their expertise and compassionate care.
St Luke’s Orthopaedic & Trauma Hospital
The St. Luke’s Orthopaedic and Trauma Hospital is a level 5, NHIF-accredited ultra-modern hospital established in 2012, after operating as a clinic and an orthopaedics supplier since 2005.
It offers both outpatient and inpatient services at the facility located in the heart of Eldoret town along Nandi Road.
Top Hill Hospital
This is a comprehensive healthcare provider located in Elgon View, Eldoret.
Some of the specialized services offered at the private hospital include but are not limited to: Brain and Spine Consultancy, Neurosurgery, Paediatrics (Children’s health), Cardiology (Heart health), Neurorehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Orthopaedics and Trauma (Bone Health), ENT Surgery, Dental Care, Ophthalmology (Eye health), Comprehensive Wellness Check-up, and Immunization.
Reale Hospital
Real Hospital is a level 4 private healthcare facility located in Elgon View estate along Nyerere Road off Kapsabet Road in Eldoret.
The hospital offers comprehensive medical, mental health, and surgical services to the residents of Uasin Gishu County and beyond.
Lifecare Hospitals
This is the newest private health facility in Eldoret that was officially opened in 2022.
It offers a wide range of services, including gynaecology and obstetrics, paediatrics, general surgery, radiology, critical care, physiotherapy, orthopaedics and many more.
Mediheal Group of Hospitals
The Mediheal Hospital & Fertility Centre – Eldoret was established in the year 2005 as a leading healthcare provider in the East Africa Region with a high focus on quality, cost-effective healthcare services and to provide international standard medical care within reach of every individual.
The hospital is owned by former Kesses Member of Parliament Dr Swarupp Mishra.
But after the 2022 general election, there have been fears that the facility might be closed over Mishra’s political stand – after he was perceived to have opposed President William Ruto’s bid for the country’s top seat.
There are several other specialized health facilities in the town including the Alexandria Cancer Centre, Eldoret Oncology and Cancer Hospital as well as Racecourse Hospital.
