Relief as Waiguru builds more hospitals

More than 5,000 residents of Baragwi ward in Kirinyaga county are set to enjoy closer healthcare services following the opening of a new facility.

Kiandai Dispensary, which was opened on Tuesday, is a relief to residents who previously sought medical care in far-flung facilities.

Governor Anne Waiguru said the initiative is a fulfilment of her administration’s pledge to provide quality, affordable and accessible primary health services.

The new facility will serve Kiandai, Kiaruri, Kiangurwe, Ngenya, Githage, Rwathae, Ndu-ini and Thimu, whose residents travelled more than five kilometres to get health services.

“The opening of Kiandai dispensary marks a significant step towards our Universal Health Coverage goals and becomes a valuable resource for residents,” Waiguru said.

The dispensary will provide outpatient, maternal and child welfare services, laboratory and pharmaceutical services.

The services are expected to reduce morbidity and mortality The new dispensary is among 20 others that Waiguru’s administration has built.

Twelve, which include, Mucagara, Kiandai in Kiine, South Ngariama, Matandara, Riakithiga laboratory, Kamwana, Kiamwathi, Kianjiru, Umoja, Kiaumbui and Joshua Mbai laboratories have been operationalised.

“We will continue strengthening our primary healthcare systems to address health challenges in the community before they escalate to levels that need to be managed at our higher-level hospitals,” the governor said.

She said to enhance service delivery, the county government is upgrading Kianyaga Level 3 Hospital to Level 4 once a new complex, which is 70 per cent complete, is launched.

The project is being undertaken alongside the Kimbimbi and Sagana hospitals upgrade.

At the same event, Waiguru issued 364 high-density UPVC pipes to Rwamukia and Corothimu water projects, which will serve Rwambiti, Kianjiru, Kiandai and Kiamwathi areas.

Ten football and four volleyball teams also received balls and uniforms.

Waiguru said the items will contribute to the county’s agenda for youth empowerment through sports talent development.

Baragwi, one of the 20 wards in the county, has also benefited from various projects including Kiamwathi and Kianjiru dispensaries and more than Sh10 million bursaries.

The county has also provided free ECDE uniforms to 505 learners, undertaken road rehabilitation programmes, market upgrades, agricultural sector support, tarmacking of roads and cabro and paving of Kianyaga bus parks.