With a background in electrical infrastructure and a passion for expanding healthcare access, Kevin Ndeti found an immediate connection with Build Health International’s mission: delivering affordable, high-quality infrastructure to communities that have historically been left behind. “Out of all the organizations I could have applied to, BHI’s mission aligned most with what I was already passionate about,” he shared.
Kevin’s journey with BHI began in 2021, through a partnership with Engineering for Change to document the existing mechanical and electrical systems for the Hospital Wesleyan de La Gonâve in Haiti. Now a full-time member of BHI’s engineering team, Kevin is shaping the future of global health infrastructure—one system, one site, and one solution at a time. But for Kevin, this work isn’t just about building hospitals. “We’re not just building buildings—we’re building a body of knowledge,” he says. That knowledge, he explains, is vital for policymakers, healthcare workers, and infrastructure teams alike. It’s what makes sustainable, dignified care not just a goal, but a reality.
Values like equity, sustainability, and collaboration aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the framework guiding Kevin’s day-to-day work. He points to the challenges of powering oxygen plants in remote settings as an example. “We look at options. Can we power PSA plants with solar [energy]? Can we adjust the design to make operations more sustainable and resilient?” Kevin explains. “That’s how equity and sustainability show up for me—designing systems that will actually work in the context they’re placed.”
At BHI, every project is grounded in the lived experiences of local communities and healthcare providers. Kevin emphasizes the importance of listening first: “We don’t just show up and fill out a form. We actively engage with medical staff, technicians, plant operators—anyone who interacts with the system day to day.” That process of collaboration ensures the final product truly meets local needs. It also builds relationships rooted in mutual respect and trust—something Kevin believes is essential for lasting change.
Kevin also reflects on how his thinking has evolved since joining BHI. “When I first joined, I thought it would be purely engineering—do the calculations, produce a design, and that’s it. But my more senior colleagues showed me that it’s about so much more. We have to think holistically and consider the long-term impact of what we build.”
One project that stands out for Kevin is his work on AIC CURE Kijabe Hospital in Kenya. He supported an assessment and helped design electrical upgrades to combat power outages. Today, the hospital runs fully on solar power, and its technicians report smoother operations and happier staff. “That means more lives saved and better care overall,” Kevin says.
He’s also especially proud of Project BOXER, where he provides ongoing technical support to ensure oxygen systems are reliable and safe in partnership with the Global Fund. “Hearing that oxygen is flowing and saving lives—that’s what makes all the effort worth it,” he said. It’s one thing to build the infrastructure, he explains, but another to make sure it continues working reliably day after day.
Looking back, Kevin sees his work at BHI as more than just a job—it’s a purpose. “Before BHI, I thought more technically—buildings as abstract projects. Now, I see the people behind each decision,” he says. “Engineering must be practical and accessible, not just theoretically sound.”
Through it all, Kevin holds one belief close:
“Healthcare dignity starts with infrastructure integrity.”
Whether it’s evaluating a broken X-ray monitor in Madagascar or designing solar-powered systems in Kenya, he knows this work matters. “We’re not just building hospitals—we’re building hope,” he says. “If I live to be 80 or 90, I’ll look back and smile knowing I played a part in making the world better through BHI.”
This story is featured in our 2025 Annual Report. Read it here!
About the Author: Emma Harkness serves as the Communications and Partnerships Coordinator at Build Health International. She is passionate about global health equity, advocacy, and storytelling to drive social change.