Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services in the county, following recent concerns about dialysis treatment at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital.
Speaking in an official address to the County Assembly of Kirinyaga, Governor Waiguru clarified that the county government has procured and installed new dialysis machines, ensuring uninterrupted service for patients requiring kidney care.
She confirmed that five machines are fully operational, while two older units were decommissioned after completing their safe operational lifespan, a standard medical procedure to protect patient safety.
The governor announced plans to expand dialysis services to Kianyaga and Sagana hospitals, aiming to reduce congestion at Kerugoya and make specialised care more accessible to residents.
These efforts form part of a broader health strategy that includes facility upgrades, recruitment of additional medical staff, and reliable provision of essential medical consumables.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Kirinyaga resident has access to affordable and quality healthcare within a reasonable distance,” Governor Waiguru said.
She highlighted that the county’s health budget has steadily increased over the past three financial years, underscoring her administration’s prioritisation of healthcare infrastructure and personnel.
In addition to healthcare, Governor Waiguru addressed challenges facing Mwea rice farmers, urging the national government to stabilise the rice market.
She called for the purchase of current and upcoming rice stocks to protect farmers from price fluctuations and the impact of imports.
“The livelihoods of thousands of Kirinyaga families depend on rice farming, which is the backbone of our county’s economy. Protecting our farmers and ensuring they get fair value for their hard work is a top priority,” the governor said.
She also stressed that ownership of Mwea Rice Mills should remain within the local community, giving farmers first priority in any planned sale.
Governor Waiguru concluded by reaffirming her administration’s commitment to transforming Kirinyaga through service delivery across all sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
By David Wandeto
