Governor Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga County has announced plans to hire additional health professionals as the county prepares for the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The move aims to address the gaps created by the elevation and expansion of various health facilities in the region.

The elevation of the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital to a Level Five facility, as well as the construction and elevation of Kimbimbi and Kianyaga Hospitals from Level Three to Four, necessitates the recruitment of more medical personnel.


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Furthermore, the county has constructed an additional 20 dispensaries and health centres, with nine already operational.

The governor, while launching a free medical camp at Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital, emphasized the critical role that specialized doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, and other healthcare professionals will play in strengthening Primary Healthcare, a cornerstone of successful UHC implementation.

Governor Waiguru also highlighted the engagement of 1,222 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who will deliver basic healthcare services to households and provide referrals to linked health facilities.

This program aims to reduce the burden on the county's healthcare system, promote healthier lifestyles, and offer vital support to those in need.

The Council of Governors (CoG) Chair noted the implementation of the M-Mama digital emergency referral system, which registers women of childbearing age and taxis for maternity emergency response.

The initiative aims to ensure that all mothers have access to safe deliveries in healthcare facilities.

Waiguru commended the team of medical professionals at the free medical camp, emphasizing the importance of such corporate initiatives in delivering essential medical services and raising awareness of health issues in society.

The two-day medical camp, a collaborative effort between the Kenya Airports Authority, the Mater Hospital, and the County Government of Kirinyaga, aims to serve over 3,000 patients from Kirinyaga County and its surrounding areas.

Notably, Kirinyaga County has one of the highest prevalence rates of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, in the country.

Governor Waiguru stated, "We have rolled out interventions that include health education, medical checkups, and clinics for diseases in all medical facilities across the county. We also encourage our people to reduce major modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and increase physical activities."

In addition to non-communicable diseases, communicable diseases like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis continue to be major public health concerns in Kenya, contributing to a significant number of deaths.


Governor Waiguru stressed the need for concerted efforts to address these challenges.

The medical camp brought together a team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, theatre nurses, anaesthetists, urologists, pediatric and adult cardiologists, gynaecologists, laboratory technicians, general physicians, and nurses.

This team is providing diagnostic, treatment, and surgical services where necessary, including support from 25 doctors from Kirinyaga County.

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Managing Director, Henry Ogoye, has expressed his enthusiasm for the collaborative effort between KAA, Mater Hospital, and the Kirinyaga County Government to bring a free medical camp to Kirinyaga County.

Ogoye emphasized the significance of supporting the government's vision of universal health coverage for all Kenyans, stating, "Health is a fundamental human right, and we are committed to supporting the government's vision of universal health coverage for every Kenyan."

In a statement, Caleb Kositany, the KAA Board Chairman, acknowledged the collective efforts of the three organizations in hosting this transformative medical camp.

He stressed that accessible healthcare was not just about providing medical services but also about nurturing hope, strengthening communities, and embodying the true spirit of humanity.

Kositany's words underscored the power of collaboration in creating positive change, saying, "This initiative signifies our dedication to the well-being of our people and underscores the power of collaboration in creating positive change."

Mwea Constituency MP Mary Maingi pledged to continue working closely with Governor Anne Waiguru to ensure the smooth implementation of development projects in the region.

She called on residents of Mwea to steer clear of divisive politics advocated by some leaders at the expense of development, emphasizing the importance of unity and progress.

The medical camp offers a wide range of essential healthcare services, such as free consultations, diagnoses, minor surgeries, and medications.

It also addresses dental problems, breast cancer, pneumonia, typhoid, and malaria, and provides HIV/AIDS counselling and testing.

Governor Waiguru reiterated her administration's commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare services.

She emphasized the various service delivery and infrastructure development projects implemented in pursuit of this goal.

The recruitment of additional healthcare professionals marks a significant step forward in ensuring that Kirinyaga County is well-prepared for the rollout of Universal Health Coverage.