New dispensary gives Karumandi residents easier access to healthcare

Residents of Karumandi Ward in Kirinyaga County no longer have to worry about travelling long distances for basic medical care following the opening of a new dispensary in the area.

Kavote Dispensary, officially opened by Governor Anne Waiguru on Tuesday, is expected to serve about 5,000 residents who previously had to travel more than five kilometers to access healthcare services.

For many residents, the facility means shorter journeys, reduced transport costs, and quicker access to treatment, particularly for mothers, children, and the elderly.

Speaking during the opening, Governor Waiguru said the facility was part of the county government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and ensure residents could access quality and affordable services within their communities.

The dispensary will provide outpatient services, maternal and child healthcare, laboratory services, pharmaceutical services, and preventive healthcare, among other services.

Waiguru said bringing healthcare services closer to communities was important because many illnesses could be prevented, detected, and treated early before becoming more critical, requiring specialized care.

“We have built 20 health centers and dispensaries in villages to help residents save time, money, and the risks associated with travelling long distances for treatment,” Waiguru said.

The Governor said the opening of Kavote Dispensary was part of a wider expansion of healthcare infrastructure across the county, noting that more than 13 new dispensaries had already been operationalized in different wards, while others were nearing completion.

She said the county was also upgrading higher-level hospitals to ensure residents could access specialized treatment closer home.

“The upgrading of Kimbimbi and Kianyaga hospitals to Level 4 facilities is at an advanced stage, with the new medical complexes now 95 per cent complete and the county government undertaking equipping works,” she said.

Waiguru added that specialized services had also been expanded at the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital.

The expansion of facilities, she said, was being accompanied by the recruitment of more healthcare workers. A total of 64 healthcare workers, including doctors, specialists and nurses, were recruited in the last financial year, while more than 116 additional staff are being recruited this financial year.

She also credited the cordial relationship between the county government and healthcare workers for helping maintain uninterrupted services in Kirinyaga in a time like this when prolonged strikes have affected healthcare delivery in many other counties.

Technology, she added was also playing an increasing role in the county’s health system, with all 75 health facilities now digitalized.

Waiguru said the digital systems had improved patient records, reporting, and accountability while helping the county monitor the performance of health facilities and make better-informed decisions.

For residents, however, the biggest change is likely to be the simple convenience of having healthcare services closer to their homes.

Juliana Muthoni said the new dispensary would make a significant difference, particularly for mothers and children who often require regular medical attention.

Karumandi Ward MCA Caroline Wanjiku said the dispensary was part of wider development taking place in the ward, citing improvements in roads, water supply, markets, and Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centers.

“The standard our governor has set is beyond what we expected, and we have seen real development in Karumandi,” Wanjiku said.

Nominated MCA Harrison Kariuki said the facility would be especially important to expectant mothers and people living with disabilities who previously had to travel long distances to seek treatment.

Kirinyaga County Assembly Majority Leader Benson Ngahu also praised Waiguru’s development record, while Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari commended the county government’s investment in healthcare and improved availability of medicines in county hospitals.

The event also saw Governor Waiguru distribute water pipes, tents, and chairs under the county’s socio-economic empowerment programme.

A total of 14 tents and 740 chairs were issued to 25 self-help groups, while 155 high-density UPVC pipes were distributed, with the county government saying they are expected to benefit about 850 homesteads in Karumandi.

For beneficiaries, the support is expected to go beyond the immediate assistance. Alice Wambui Mugo said the tents would help the groups meet their community needs while also creating an opportunity to generate additional income by hiring them out for events.

Another resident, Peter Njogu, said the water pipes would make it easier for the community to distribute irrigation water, thus helping farmers improve agricultural production.

By David Wandeto