Nyandarua County is witnessing a startling economic inversion where hospitals are generating millions while tourism sites sit largely empty. The county’s health sector raked in a staggering Sh111.9 million in just six months, eclipsing the meager Sh101,950 earned by tourism.

The County Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2025/2026 paints a picture of a region transforming into a medical hub. Between July and December 2024, the health department’s revenue surged, driven by an influx of patients from neighboring Nakuru, Laikipia, Baringo, and Nyeri counties. "We are seeing a steady increase in formal referrals," confirmed Dr. Boniface Gachara, the County Director of Medical Services.

The Hospital Economy

The boom has triggered a ripple effect across the local economy, particularly in Ol Kalou. Hotels and lodgings near JM Memorial Hospital are reporting 100% occupancy rates, not from holidaymakers, but from patients and their families. "Most of our customers are patients seeking services or relatives who cannot travel back home," explained Simon Gacheru, a local hotel owner.

• Infrastructure Shift: Modern commercial buildings are springing up around health facilities to cater to the transient population.
• Street Trade: Roads leading to the hospitals are now choked with hawkers and vehicular traffic, a testament to the increased human flow.

A Sector Imbalance

While the health sector thrives, the tourism numbers expose a glaring gap in the county’s revenue streams. Collecting barely Sh100,000 in half a year suggests a near-total collapse or neglect of local attractions. For now, however, Nyandarua’s "health tourism" is inadvertently driving the county’s growth, turning hospital beds into the region’s most sought-after accommodation.

"It is a bittersweet reality," notes a local trader. "Our economy is growing, but it is built on the sickness of our neighbors rather than the beauty of our land."