Billionaire's Widow Transforms KNH After Wealth Donation [PHOTOS]

Photo collage between Zarina Merali and President Uhuru Kenyatta during KNH tour on Wednesday May 11, 2022
Photo collage between Zarina Merali and President Uhuru Kenyatta during the KNH tour on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
File

A generous donation by businesswoman Zarina Merali, widow of fallen billionaire Naushad Merali, has given Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) a new look in the latest development.

The widow, through the Zarina and Naushad Merali Foundation, made a donation of Ksh100 million towards building the state-of-the-art surgical center at KNH.

The facility was named in honour of the billionaire's widow, Zarina Merali Surgical Daycare Centre after the official opening by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday, May 11.

President Uhuru Kenyatta accompanied by Zarina Merali during the KNH tour on Wednesday May 11, 2022
President Uhuru Kenyatta accompanied by Zarina Merali during the KNH tour on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
PSCU

While opening the facility, Uhuru noted that the centre, which has become a reality through Zarina's efforts, will act as a preparation and recovery space for patients requiring outpatient surgeries.

It essentially fosters the country's efforts in managing patients, reducing congestion in the wards reducing pre-and post-surgical admissions as well as cutting down theatre waiting times by enabling same-day surgeries and discharges.

"I have been taken round this facility and I can attest to its state-of-the-art theatres; world-class equipment; and its well-trained and dedicated personnel, who, I am assured, are ready to offer a wide range of ambulatory surgeries – that is, cosmetic, dental, gynaecology, and endoscopic surgeries, to name but a few.

President Uhuru inspecting the newly constructed facilities at KNH on Wednesday May 11, 2022
President Uhuru inspecting the newly constructed facilities at KNH on Wednesday, May 11, 2022
PSCU

I have further been informed that patients who have undergone surgery through this arrangement are really grateful because they have gone home to recuperate in the comfort of their homes, surrounded by their loved ones;  which research has shown leads to better clinical outcomes for patients," Uhuru stated.

Zarina has been part of a number of many life-changing foundations in the country including hospitals, health centers, old-age homes, and educational funds for the needy.

In 2013, she made a donation worth Ksh10 million towards supporting the first lady Margaret Kenyatta's Beyond Zero Campaign.

Magura Secondary School in Kipkebe, Nyamira County was also funded by the foundation which she is overseeing and was officially opened by the first lady.

Zarina has also been at the heart of supporting families in West Pokot and Turkana through food aid and cash donations.

She serves as the Chairperson of Sameer East Africa, a position which she took after her husband Naushad Merali, died last year. 

Naushad was one of the wealthiest Kenyans at the time of his death and left behind an empire that made his only son, Sameer Merali, become the richest individual in Kenya - according to a report released by Forbes in 2022. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta opening the Zarina Merali Surgical Daycare Centre at KNH on Wednesday May 11, 2022.
President Uhuru Kenyatta opening the Zarina Merali Surgical Daycare Centre at KNH on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
PSCU
  • . .