Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has reinforced her administration’s commitment to universal health coverage by rolling out new medical facilities aimed at tackling lifestyle diseases.
The county, which has recorded a high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, has established 11 operational dispensaries and health centres as part of its broader healthcare expansion strategy.
“With a strong primary healthcare at the dispensaries, there will be less congestion at higher-level health institutions, allowing level four and five hospitals to deal with more complex health issues more efficiently,” Waiguru stated.
The new health facilities, including South Ngariama, Umoja, Kiandai, Kiamwathi, Kianjiru, Kiaumbui, Matandara, Mucagara, Kamwana, Riakithiga Laboratory, and Joshua Mbai Laboratory, are offering free screenings and specialised clinics for non-communicable diseases.
Previously, such services were only available at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, Kianyaga, Kimbimbi, and Sagana hospitals.
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Dr George Karoki, County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation, noted that the facilities have brought medical services closer to the people, reducing both the cost and time required for treatment.
“The new medical facilities opened by Governor Anne Waiguru have come in handy in our effort to fight non-communicable diseases in the county. They are helping in early detection and are offering clinics for people suffering from the ailments,” Karoki said.
In 2024 alone, Kirinyaga recorded approximately 17,200 cases of hypertension and 5,000 cases of diabetes, underscoring the urgency of the county’s healthcare interventions. Karoki emphasised that early detection and community-based screening are crucial in mitigating these conditions.
“It is easy to treat ailments when they are detected early and therefore these new dispensaries are helping us take medical services closer to the people. When there is early detection, this helps in containing health‐related costs associated with hospitalisation due to severe illness and poorly managed risk factors,” he added.
To support the expanded healthcare system, the county has recruited additional medical personnel and strengthened service delivery by ensuring the availability of essential medication and medical supplies. A 24-hour ambulance referral system has also been established for patients with complications.
Residents have lauded the initiative, noting its impact on accessibility and affordability of healthcare.
“Since this dispensary was launched, we have been able to get medical services without travelling long distances. I used to go to Karumande or Kianyaga for treatment, but now, I receive all my care here, including diabetes checkups. We are very grateful to Governor Waiguru for bringing these services closer to us,” said Stella Wambui from Mucagara village.
John Gitari, a patient receiving arthritis treatment, echoed similar sentiments.
“If the County Government hadn’t built this facility, my condition could have worsened. It’s from Mucagara dispensary that I was referred to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, where I was diagnosed and placed under treatment. Now, I can get my medications and checkups here. This facility has truly changed my life,” he said.
Beyond medical treatment, the county has intensified health education campaigns to encourage healthier lifestyles, discouraging tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets.
Infrastructure projects such as walkways in Kerugoya town and cabro paving in Kutus, Kagio, and Kianyaga are also being developed to promote physical activity and combat obesity-related illnesses.
