Residents of the Kimbimbi area in Kirinyaga County have called on politicians to refrain from politicizing healthcare services, emphasizing that such actions harm the community’s access to quality care. The appeal comes amidst ongoing discussions over the performance of Kimbimbi Hospital, with some politicians allegedly using healthcare issues as a platform for the 2027 political campaigns.
Grace Nderitu, a resident who recently sought services at the hospital, praised the facility for its excellent services, citing its cleanliness, dedicated staff, and well-stocked pharmacy. “I have been coming here since I was young, and the services have always been exceptional. I came for treatment and received all the medication I needed,” Nderitu said. Her sentiments were echoed by Joseph Mwangi, another resident, who dismissed claims of poor service as politically motivated. “We ask that politics be kept out of healthcare. The hospital has served us well over the years,” he stated.
The county’s Chief Officer for Health Services, Dr. Muriithi Nyaga, defended the hospital’s performance, confirming that it has been delivering expected services. He acknowledged that the hospital’s infrastructure was aging but assured that a new state-of-the-art medical complex was under construction. Once completed, the new facility will elevate Kimbimbi Hospital from a Level 3 to a Level 4 facility, significantly improving the services it offers.
The upgrade includes a 120-bed capacity with dedicated wards for medical and surgical services, maternity, pediatric care, and specialized units such as a newborn unit and a gynecological ward. Dr. Nyaga emphasized that the hospital caters not only to locals but also to patients from neighboring counties, including Embu and Murang’a, due to the high quality of care.
Governor Anne Waiguru’s administration has been proactive in improving healthcare in the county, having previously upgraded Kerugoya County and Referral Hospital to a Level 5 facility. Waiguru also introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to enhance diagnostic services, particularly for conditions like tuberculosis, cancer, and musculoskeletal issues.
The new Kimbimbi complex, nearing completion with 80% of construction finished, is set to improve access to healthcare services for the local community and surrounding areas. The hospital’s expansion promises to reduce referrals to other hospitals, offering residents higher-quality medical care closer to home.
Governor Waiguru’s commitment to modernizing the healthcare system in Kirinyaga County is evident in the ongoing infrastructure projects and the introduction of cutting-edge technology. As the new complex nears completion, Kimbimbi Hospital is poised to become a critical healthcare hub for the region.
