Kirinyaga County Unveils New Dispensary to Boost Healthcare Access

KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Over 4,000 residents of Karumandi Ward in Kirinyaga County celebrated the opening of a new dispensary, aimed at providing affordable and quality healthcare services within their community. The Mucagara Dispensary, inaugurated by Governor Anne Waiguru, is set to serve people from 10 villages across Kirerema and Kariru Sub-Locations.

According to Kenya News Agency, the facility will offer a range of services including outpatient care, maternal and child welfare, as well as laboratory and pharmaceutical services. Governor Waiguru emphasized the dispensary’s role in enhancing the county’s healthcare objectives, marking a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage by ensuring access to primary healthcare.

“We have come back as part of fulfilling our pledge to improve health service delivery in Karumandi. This dispensary is a valuable resource for the area residents and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that it will have on their lives,” Waiguru stated. Prior to this, the ward was served by only one public health facility, the Karumandi Health Center. The new dispensary is expected to alleviate the burden on residents who previously had to travel long distances to access healthcare services.

The Mucagara dispensary is the 12th medical facility opened by Governor Waiguru’s administration over the past two years, part of a broader initiative that includes the construction of 20 dispensary projects. “We will continue strengthening our primary healthcare systems to address various health challenges in the community before they escalate to levels that need to be managed at our higher-level hospitals,” the Governor added.

Furthermore, the county has deployed 1,205 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) across Kirinyaga, equipped to offer basic health services and referrals. These services include public health education, basic tests, child growth monitoring, deworming, and First Aid. The CHPs are also tasked with ensuring expectant mothers attend antenatal clinics, deliver in health facilities, and attend child welfare clinics post-delivery.

Governor Waiguru called for community support in promoting preventive health to reduce the disease burden within the county. The initiative has been warmly received by local leaders and residents alike, with Area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Caroline Wanjiku Muriithi highlighting the significant relief the dispensary brings to the community, saving them from long journeys in search of medical services.