Residents of Nakuru County in the sprawling Rift Valley have very reason to celebrate on the back of an upgrade of medical diagnostics following installation of an advanced Atellica Solution and Haematology machine at Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital (NCRTH).

Supplied and installed by Elsmed, the machine will enhance diagnostic capacity by enabling tests for liver and kidney function, cardiac markers, tumour markers and other specialised investigations. The haematology component is designed to detect blood-related conditions such as anaemia and leukaemia.

Once fully operational, the new system will eliminate the need to send blood samples to private laboratories or facilities in Nairobi for specialised analysis, reducing both the cost of care and waiting time for results. The fully automated haematology system can process over 1,200 tests per hour, significantly increasing laboratory efficiency.

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Roselyn Mungai visited the laboratory to review the installation progress. She urged suppliers to fast-track the remaining work to ensure timely commissioning and utilization of the equipment.

Mungai reiterated the County Government’s commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring quality healthcare for all residents. She said that under Governor Susan Kihika’s leadership, Nakuru is focused on a resilient, people-centred health system. She said emphasis is placed on strategic partnerships are key to uninterrupted, quality services.

Engineers on site confirmed that the installation is scheduled for completion by February 2, 2026. Once the technical setup is complete, laboratory staff will undergo training on operating and maintaining the machines to ensure efficiency and longevity.

County Medical Laboratory Coordinator Ramadhan Musa said the new equipment will improve test volumes, reduce turnaround time and allow NCRTH to provide specialised diagnostic services to other health facilities within the county and the wider region.

An advanced Atellica Solution and Haematology machine being installed at Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital (NCRTH).

• A Tell Media / KNA report / by Jane Ngugi