More than 5,000 residents of Baragwi ward in Kirinyaga County are set to benefit from enhanced healthcare access following the inauguration of the Kiandai Dispensary. Opened on Tuesday, this new facility is a major milestone in Governor Anne Waiguru’s commitment to expanding primary healthcare services.
The dispensary, which offers outpatient, maternal, and child welfare services, as well as laboratory and pharmaceutical support, is expected to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates in the region. Before its establishment, residents of Kiandai, Kiaruri, Kiangurwe, Ngenya, Githage, Rwathae, Ndu-ini, and Thimu had to travel over five kilometers to access healthcare services. The new facility marks a critical step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for the county’s residents.
Governor Waiguru emphasized that her administration remains committed to providing quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare. “The opening of Kiandai Dispensary marks a significant step towards our Universal Health Coverage goals and becomes a valuable resource for residents,” she said. The initiative aligns with her broader strategy to enhance primary healthcare and prevent minor ailments from escalating into severe conditions requiring treatment at higher-level hospitals.
The Kiandai Dispensary is one of 20 new health facilities constructed under Waiguru’s administration. Twelve of these, including Mucagara, Kiandai in Kiine, South Ngariama, Matandara, Riakithiga laboratory, Kamwana, Kiamwathi, Kianjiru, Umoja, Kiaumbui, and Joshua Mbai laboratories, are already operational. The expansion of healthcare services has brought much-needed relief to communities that previously faced significant challenges in accessing medical care.
To further strengthen healthcare in Kirinyaga, the county government is upgrading Kianyaga Level 3 Hospital to a Level 4 facility. The new hospital complex, which is 70% complete, is expected to boost medical service delivery upon completion. Similar upgrades are ongoing at Kimbimbi and Sagana hospitals.
Beyond healthcare, Waiguru also launched key community projects, including the issuance of 364 high-density UPVC pipes for the Rwamukia and Corothimu water projects. These projects will serve the residents of Rwambiti, Kianjiru, Kiandai, and Kiamwathi, enhancing access to clean water.
Additionally, ten football teams and four volleyball teams received sports kits, reinforcing the county’s commitment to youth empowerment through sports development. The county has also invested in education, infrastructure, and agriculture, with projects such as road rehabilitation, bursary allocations, and ECDE support benefiting thousands.
These initiatives underscore the governor’s continued focus on improving service delivery across Kirinyaga, ensuring that residents have access to essential healthcare and other vital services close to home.
