Kirinyaga County Government has called on residents to embrace regular blood pressure screening, warning that hypertension continues to silently claim many lives across the region.
The appeal was made during the commemoration of World Hypertension Day at Jeevanjee Gardens in Kerugoya town.
This year’s global theme, ‘Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer’, formed the basis of the county’s awareness campaign.
Speaking during the event, Kirinyaga County Director of Health Services, Dr. Esbon Gakuo, said the county is committed to raising awareness and improving access to care, noting that many people are unaware they are living with hypertension until complications arise.
“It is estimated that over 80,000 people are living with hypertension in Kirinyaga, but only 17,000 are currently accessing care and treatment. People should embrace regular screening to avoid complications such as stroke or even death,” Gakuo emphasized.
In 2024 Kirinyaga reported 3,760 new hypertension cases up from 2,998 cases reported in the previous year. Dr Gakuo pointed out that the rising burden of hypertension is linked to poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol abuse, and tobacco use. Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, which are the second most common cause of death in Kenya.
The County government has been implementing a robust program aimed at creating awareness and enhancing treatment of hypertension among other lifestyle diseases.
Over 75 health facilities in the county have integrated blood pressure monitoring records in addition to specialized hypertension clinics at Kerugoya, Kimbimbi, Kianyaga, and Sagana Level 4 hospitals.
The Community Health Promoters (CHPs) have played a key role in assessing and screening people in villages as well as improving early detection at the grassroots level.
Area resident Ruth Wanjiku recounted her early blood pressure struggles with denial and later attended regular clinics.
“At first, I refused to believe I had hypertension and didn’t take medication. But after attending clinics at Kerugoya Hospital, I was educated on how treatment prevents stroke and kidney failure. Now I never miss a dose,” she said.
By Mutai Kipngetich
