Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare, with a particular emphasis on the fight against cancer.
Speaking in Mungoni during the burial of the mother-in-law of Karingani Ward MCA Murithi Gaturo, Njuki said many lives were being lost due to lack of awareness of healthy living and limited access to timely medical interventions.
The governor emphasized the need for residents to embrace health insurance schemes such as the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the government is keen on cushioning families against heavy medical expenses.
“People are losing their lives because of lack of knowledge and failure to seek medical services early enough. We want to encourage every household to take up health insurance and invest in their health,” he said.
However, Njuki expressed concern over the rising cancer cases in the county, noting that most patients seek treatment when it is already too late.
He urged the residents to go for early screening even when they are not feeling sick.
“Cancer is killing many of our people, yet when detected early, it can be treated or managed. I want to encourage everyone to embrace regular screening,” he added.
The Tharaka Nithi county government plans to allocate over Sh60 million in the 2026/2027 budget for modern cancer screening equipment to improve access to screening services.
Njuki said the machines will be installed at dispensaries to enable residents to undergo tests without necessarily needing to travel to the nearby referral hospitals.
“These new machines are advanced, less painful and user-friendly. We want to move with the rest of the world by bringing technology closer to the people. Good health is the foundation of development,” the governor said.
The governor also announced plans to invest in health care infrastructure to enhance quality of life in the region.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
