Kirinyaga County Government will hire additional health professionals as the county gets
ready for roll-out of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Governor Anne Waiguru said that the county will advertise for 50 positions of various
cadres of medics to fill some gaps that have been created by elevation and expansion
of various health facilities.
She said elevation of Kerugoya County Referral Hospital to a Level Five facility,
construction and consequent elevation of Kimbimbi and Kianyaga Hospital from level
three to four requires additional medical personnel. The county has also constructed
additional 20 dispensaries and health centres, nine of which have been
operationalized.
While launching a free medical camp at Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital, the governor
noted that the additional specialized doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab-technicians
among other categories, medics will play a great role in strengthening Primary
Healthcare which is at the heart of successful implementation of UHC.
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She said that the county has already engaged 1,222 Community Health Promoters
(CHPs) who will reach households with basic healthcare services or offer the required
referrals to their link health facilities. She noted that CHPs programme will help in
reducing the burden on the county’s healthcare system by promoting healthier
lifestyles, and providing vital health support to those in need.
The Council of Governors (CoG) Chair also noted that M-Mama digital emergency
the referral system is now registering women of child bearing age and taxis for maternity
emergency response. The program aims at ensuring that all mothers will deliver safely
at a health facility.
Waiguru commended the team of medics at the free medical camp for volunteering
their time and professional expertise for the good of county residents. She underscored
the importance of such social corporate initiatives in providing essential medical
services as well as raising awareness on various health issues facing the society.
The two-day medical camp that aims at serving over 3000 patients from Kirinyaga
County and its surrounding areas is a collaboration between the Kenya Airports
Authority, the Mater Hospital and the County Government of Kirinyaga.
She termed the camp as a timely intervention given that Kirinyaga ranks among the
counties having the highest prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes
and hypertension.
“We have rolled out interventions that include; health education, roll out of medical
checkups and clinics for the diseases in all medical facilities across the county and
encouraging our people to reduce the major modifiable risk factors such as tobacco
use, harmful use of alcohol and to increase physical activities.”, said the governor.
She added that equally, communicable diseases like HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis
continue to be a major public health issue in Kenya and are among the leading
causes of death in Kenya and therefore concerted effort must be made to reverse
the trend.
The medical camp brought together a team made up of Surgeons, Theatre Nurses,
Anesthetists, Urologists, Pediatric and Adult Cardiologists, Gynecologists, Laboratory
Technicians, General Physicians and Nurses who will offer diagnostic, treatment and
surgeries where need be. Among these medics are 25 doctors from Kirinyaga County.
It will offer a wide range of essential healthcare services, including free consultations,
diagnoses, minor surgeries, and medications. Comprehensive healthcare services
addressing dental problems, breast cancer, pneumonia, typhoid, malaria, and
HIV/AIDS counseling and testing will be provided.
Waiguru reiterated that her administration is committed to the provision of accessible
and affordable healthcare services highlighting the various service delivery and
infrastructure development project she has been implementing.
The Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director, Henry Ogoye, expressed his
enthusiasm about the collaboration.
"We are delighted to partner with Mater Hospital and the County Government to bring
this free Medical Camp to Kirinyaga County. Health is a fundamental human right, and
we are committed to supporting the government’s vision of universal health coverage
for every Kenyan," he said
In a statement, the KAA Board Chairman, Caleb Kositany, acknowledged the collective
efforts of KAA, Mater Hospital, and the Kirinyaga County Government in hosting such a
transformative medical camp.
“By offering accessible healthcare, we are not just providing medical services; we are
nurturing hope, strengthening communities, and embodying the true spirit of humanity.
This initiative signifies our dedication to the well-being of our people and underscores
the power of collaboration in creating positive change."
Mwea Constituency MP Mary Maingi said she will continue working closely with
Governor Waiguru to ensure smooth implementation of development projects.
Maingi asked residents of Mwea to shun divisive politics being advanced by a section
of leaders at the expense of development.
