KIRINYAGA COUNTY — Over 1500 individuals in Kirinyaga County have benefited from free eye treatments and surgeries, addressing a critical health issue exacerbated by a rise in non-communicable diseases in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, a medical camp held at Kimbimbi Sub-county Hospital provided essential services including cataract surgeries, where 36 individuals underwent procedures to remove lens clouding. The event, organized in collaboration with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and the Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB), also offered glasses, medication, and white canes at no cost. “This particular trend of rise in non-communicable diseases is causing a big problem of the eye. We are very grateful for this particular support from these organizations because it has helped us reach out to more people who had not gotten treatment for eye problems,” Karoki stated.
During the camp, it was noted that diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and hypertension are contributing to an increase in eye complications in the Mt. Kenya region. In response, Governor Anne Waiguru has prioritized healthcare, which includes the establishment of an ultra-modern eye unit at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, equipped with specialized staff and facilities.
Samson Waweru, Chief Executive Officer of the KSB, highlighted that the establishment of the eye unit at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital ensures local access to specialist treatment, which previously required travel to Nairobi. Waweru pointed out alarming statistics that suggest up to 10 million Kenyans are at risk of blindness, with the majority of cases being preventable if detected early. “The statistics of visually impaired people according to the 2019 census stands at 334,000 legally blind individuals across the country. But the concerning statistics from the Ministry of Health is that 10 million Kenyans could wake up tomorrow to find themselves blind. This means that one out of every four Kenyans could face blindness, which is why this medical camp is crucial, as 85-90% of these cases are treatable,” he emphasized.
REREC’s involvement in the medical camp, detailed by Board Director Mark Nderitu, is part of their broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, which also include rural electrification projects aimed at reducing health risks associated with the use of firewood and kerosene in homes.
Residents expressed their gratitude for the camp’s impact. Lydia Mugo, a 78-year-old from Murinduko area, shared her appreciation: “I have never seen a free eye medical camp offering surgeries. We are thankful to have these free services through the Kirinyaga County Government and REREC. I have been attended to and my eyes can now see clearly,” she said. Similarly, Stephen Njeru, a 70-year-old beneficiary of a cataract surgery, recounted his relief at receiving treatment that he previously could not afford.
The camp not only addressed immediate health needs but also underscored the critical link between public health initiatives and infrastructure development in enhancing community well-being.