Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani officially inaugurated the Bonje Dispensary in Mwamdudu village, Kasemeni ward, Kinango Sub-county. This facility is expected to serve over 3,000 residents from Bonje and three neighboring villages: Chongongwe, Mwangoka, and Zagwaru. The dispensary marks a significant achievement for the Kwale County government, bringing essential health services closer to the community and reducing the travel burden for residents in these remote areas.
Governor Achani, while addressing the gathered crowd, highlighted the county’s commitment to bolstering healthcare services, despite financial constraints and challenges in medical supplies. She underscored the importance of expanding and upgrading health infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to meet the healthcare needs of Kwale residents.
“It is our sole duty as the government to ensure our facilities are fully equipped and operational,” said Governor Achani, stressing that her administration prioritizes healthcare improvement through building new facilities, renovating existing ones, and ensuring adequate medical supplies. Achani mentioned that Kwale County’s vision involves creating accessible healthcare services across all wards to bridge the service delivery gap between rural and urban areas.
Since taking office, the Kwale County administration has constructed around 178 health facilities and employed 1,800 healthcare workers, an effort that is complemented by the deployment of 1,632 Community Health Promoters (CHPs). These CHPs are equipped with essential medical skills and resources, allowing them to offer first-line health services to residents in villages and other hard-to-reach areas. Governor Achani emphasized that CHPs play a critical role in improving rural healthcare access by providing assistance and raising awareness about preventive health measures.
One of the persistent challenges, Governor Achani explained, is the delayed disbursement of funds from the national government, which has affected the county’s ability to ensure timely and consistent medical supplies. These delays in funding lead to periodic shortages of essential medicines, which impacts service delivery in some of the county’s health facilities.
Victor Safari, the MCA for Kasemeni ward, reiterated Governor Achani’s concerns about financial limitations but noted the administration’s resolve to prioritize healthcare despite these hurdles. “Even with financial challenges, we are dedicated to ensuring that our residents receive the services they need,” Safari said, assuring residents of continued support.
For the residents of Kasemeni ward, the opening of the Bonje Dispensary is a milestone that directly impacts their lives. Mary Manyata, a Bonje resident, expressed gratitude to Governor Achani, saying that the new dispensary would significantly ease access to healthcare. “We are grateful to Mama Achani for opening this dispensary close to our homes; the hassle of traveling long distances for treatment has been greatly reduced,” Manyata remarked.
The ceremony was attended by various county health officials, including the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Francis Gwama, and Chief Officers Dr. Kitsao Mjimba and Athman Mwashando, who oversee preventive and curative health services, respectively. Their presence underscored the administration’s focus on both the immediate and long-term goals for healthcare improvements in Kwale.
Looking ahead, Governor Achani aims to address the current financial constraints affecting medical supply chains and ensure that the county’s healthcare facilities are adequately stocked and fully operational. The opening of Bonje Dispensary is part of an ongoing effort to decentralize health services and increase the number of well-equipped facilities across the county.
Kwale County’s efforts to enhance healthcare access represent a broader trend of counties taking proactive steps to meet the needs of their residents, particularly those in remote areas. The Bonje Dispensary’s inauguration is a reminder of the power of local governments to drive positive change and bring essential services to the grassroots level, improving the quality of life for residents who previously struggled with limited access to healthcare.
