Over 1500 Residents in Kirinyaga County Regain Sight Through Free Eye Care Initiative

In a collaborative effort between the Kirinyaga County Government, Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), and the Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB), more than 1500 residents of Kirinyaga County received life-changing eye care during a three-day medical camp at Kimbimbi Sub-county Hospital. This initiative, supported by Governor Anne Waiguru’s administration, aimed to address the growing concern over rising eye problems in the Mount Kenya region, exacerbated by increasing cases of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

The medical camp provided comprehensive services including consultations, medications, free eyeglasses, and notably, cataract surgeries that restored vision to many who had been suffering from impaired sight. County Executive Committee Member George Karoki underscored the significance of the camp in reaching individuals who had previously lacked access to necessary eye treatments, citing the profound impact on improving their quality of life.

Karoki also highlighted Governor Waiguru’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, exemplified by the establishment of a state-of-the-art eye unit at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital. This investment aims to ensure sustainable access to specialized eye care services locally, reducing the need for residents to travel to distant facilities for treatment.

The Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) praised Kirinyaga County’s efforts in providing specialized eye care and stressed the importance of early detection in preventing avoidable blindness. They emphasized that initiatives like these medical camps are crucial in addressing eye health challenges and improving health outcomes for communities in high-risk areas.

REREC’s involvement in the medical camp reflected their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, complementing their primary mission of rural electrification. By supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare access, REREC aims to contribute to overall community well-being and health improvement, aligning with broader efforts to address health disparities in rural settings across Kirinyaga County and beyond.