Waiguru's grassroots healthcare plan boosts service delivery

The transformation of grassroots health care in Kirinyaga county has improved access to services for patients who initially had to walk long distances to seek treatment.

The investment by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru’s administration has enabled dispensaries to provide laboratory and maternity services.

Two of the latest facilities commissioned and are operational-Kiandai in Baragwi Ward and Kiandangae in Kiine Ward- are already serving hundreds of patients every week.

The investment is in line with Waiguru’s pledge to expand universal health coverage through the completion of 20 dispensaries across the county.

“Facilities like Kiandai dispensary will be reaching over 6,000 people. We know we are delivering real change. Families are saving time and finances, mothers are accessing antenatal care close to home, and children are getting immunised on time. This is the essence of universal health coverage-bringing services closer to the people so that no mother, child, or family is left behind,” the governor said.

When Purity Wakuthii from Baragwi ward recently fell ill, she no longer had to dig into her pocket for bus fare to travel to Kianyaga health facility. Instead, she walked a few minutes from her home to the newly opened Kiandai Dispensary, where she was attended to. 

“Having a health facility in the vicinity has really changed our lives. We just walk in whenever we need treatment, saving both time and money. The facility is equipped, and I was able to get the services I needed under one roof,” Wakuthii said. 

At Kiandai, Nurse-in-Charge Beth Njeri said the dispensary receives an average of 40 patients daily.

 “We are now able to serve the community right here at their doorstep. This has relieved families of the financial burden of traveling long distances for care,” she said.

The story is similar at Kiandangae dispensary in Kiine Ward, where Nurse-in-Charge Anthony Muriuki said the facility attends to 50 patients daily.

 With 95 per cent of essential drugs in stock, the dispensary guarantees reliable treatment, saving patients an average of sh. 300 in transport costs.

Mr Muriuki noted that the facility has already covered 21 per cent of expectant mothers seeking antenatal care and immunisation for children, marking a major milestone in improving maternal and child health. 

Rose Wairimu said: "This dispensary has been a blessing to us. We no longer have to struggle or postpone seeking care because of distance or costs.”

The County Government has also upgraded Kerugoya Hospital to Level Five and the process of expanding Kimbimbi and Kianyaga hospitals to Level Four are at an advanced stage.

The county has also strengthened community health units -all part of a healthcare system designed to ensure residents receive services in the comfort of there homes.