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New Solar-Powered Pediatric Theatre Opens in Bungoma
Thousands of children in Western Kenya are set to benefit from improved surgical care following the launch of a new solar-powered pediatric theatre at IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital in Kimilili, Bungoma County.
Global charities Smile Train and Kids Operating Room renovated the facility to strengthen pediatric surgery services in underserved communities.
The theatre features child-friendly artwork, specialized surgical equipment, and a stand-alone solar power system. The solar installation will help the hospital avoid disruptions caused by power outages while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
New Solar-Powered Pediatric Theatre Opens in Bungoma
Improving Surgical Care for Children
Health experts say the new facility will improve access to both emergency and elective surgeries for children.
Joseph Kariuki said the partnership will help reduce delays that often lead to complications and preventable deaths.
“Untreated surgical conditions like clefts rob children of dignity and opportunity,” he said.
He added that the partnership strengthens local health systems by supporting safe and quality pediatric surgical care.
Hospital Expands Capacity
IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital serves more than two million people across Bungoma County and neighboring regions.
The hospital has a 20-bed pediatric unit and has treated more than 740 cleft patients since 2014.
Hospital Director Ruth Nabie said the new theatre will improve surgical standards and boost staff morale.
“The new theatre is motivating teams to carry out more surgeries with uninterrupted power and equipment dedicated to children’s care,” she said.
The hospital also provides nutrition support and speech therapy for children with cleft conditions.
Expanding Access Across Africa
The Bungoma facility becomes the third pediatric theatre renovated in Kenya through the partnership between Smile Train and Kids Operating Room.
The other facilities are:
- Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital
- Makueni County Referral Hospital
Since 2020, the partnership has renovated 46 pediatric operating rooms across 28 African countries.
The organizations have also installed solar-powered surgical systems in 100 operating rooms across Africa to improve reliability and reduce energy challenges in hospitals.
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