Kiambu County Governor Dr. Kimani Wamatangi has launched a new set of state-of-the-art medical equipment, including digital X-ray machines, advanced ultrasound systems, and life-saving dialysis machines.
The launch, held in Thika on Tuesday, marks a significant milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services.
The new medical machines will be installed in hospitals across Kiambu, including facilities in Githunguri, Thika, Lari, Nyathuna, Lusigetti, Gachororo (Juja), Makongeni (Thika), and Lang’ata (Githurai).
Additionally, dialysis and endoscopy machines have been introduced in Karuri, Tigoni, Igegania, Kigumo (Komothai), Kahara, Ruiru, Thika, and Kiambu hospitals over the past 18 months.
“My administration will spend Sh2.5 billion on equipping our health facilities. Sh 500 million will go towards renewing equipment in existing facilities, while Sh2 billion will be used to equip six new Level Four and 26 Level Three hospitals currently under construction,” said Governor Wamatangi.
The governor emphasized that his administration has completed the expansion and refurbishment of hospitals where the new digital X-ray machines will replace outdated equipment that previously lacked capacity.
Kiambu County is now among the few that have these digital X-ray machines. The technology can assess kidney function, evaluate the uterus to monitor fetal health, and facilitate early treatment when necessary. It can also assess the pancreas and help detect prostate cancer, ensuring that even the boy child is not left behind in receiving crucial medical interventions.
Wamatangi also announced that the Kikuyu (Thogoto) Level Four Hospital in Kikuyu Sub-County is now 95 percent complete. The 160-bed facility, whose construction began in 2016 but stalled for over seven years, was revived in 2023. Once completed, it will be one of the six Level Four and 26 Level Three hospitals aimed at increasing healthcare access in Kiambu.
For Mary Muthoni, a resident of Ruiru who has been undergoing dialysis treatment, the launch of the new dialysis machines at Ruiru Hospital is life-changing.
“I have been traveling long distances for my dialysis sessions, which has been both exhausting and expensive. Knowing that I can now receive treatment closer to home is a huge relief,” she said with a smile. “This machine is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a lifeline for people like me.”
The impact of these investments is already being felt across the county. Patients who previously had to travel to Nairobi or other distant locations for specialized treatments can now access these services locally. This has not only reduced the financial burden on families but has also eased the strain on overcrowded referral hospitals.
Governor Wamatangi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare, stating, “Our goal is to make Kiambu County a model for healthcare delivery in Kenya. By equipping our hospitals with modern machines and expanding our facilities, we are not only saving lives but also improving the quality of life for our people.”
As Kiambu County continues to roll out its healthcare improvement program, stories like Mary’s serve as a reminder of the transformative power of accessible and efficient medical services.
By Natasha Lelenguya and Yvonne Wangeci
