Only Level 5 hospital in Lamu, heritage-compatible architecture, Saudi-Kenya diplomatic milestone
King Fahd Hospital (Lamu)
Lamu's only Level 5 referral hospital, funded by Saudi Arabia's King Fahd in 1984 and built in Swahili architectural style.
AnnouncedJanuary 1, 1984
StartedJanuary 1, 1985
Expected CompletionDecember 31, 1989
CompletedJanuary 1, 1989
Financials
Offering PriceKsh 114,000,000KES
Actual CostKsh 114,000,000KES
Cost Variance
Timeline
Saudi Grant Awarded
King Fahd of Saudi Arabia awarded US$1 million grant for hospital construction in Lamu
Hospital Completed
King Fahd Hospital completed in Swahili architectural style compatible with Lamu heritage
UNESCO Influence
Hospital's heritage-compatible design cited as factor in Lamu Old Town's UNESCO World Heritage inscription
Contractors
Saudi-Funded Construction Team
Hospital ConstructionBuilt with grant from King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Politicians Involved
Daniel arap Moi
President of KenyaOversaw the Saudi-funded hospital construction in Lamu
Benefits
Description
King Fahd Hospital is the largest and only Level 5 referral facility in Lamu County, serving the entire county population of approximately 144,000 people. Built with a US$1 million grant from Saudi Arabia's King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1984, it was constructed in a unique Swahili/Saudi architectural style that harmonizes with Lamu Old Town's heritage. Its design is credited with contributing to Lamu's successful UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 2001. Located in Mkomani ward, the hospital handles hundreds of patients daily but faces capacity challenges for its remote island location.
Overview
Only referral hospital for Lamu County's island communities, its unique architectural style contributed to Lamu's UNESCO World Heritage status.