Waiguru’s grassroots healthcare revolution restores dignity for Kirinyaga families

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru’s bold investment in grassroots healthcare is transforming the lives of thousands of families across the county. By commissioning and equipping new dispensaries in villages, the governor has brought essential medical services within walking distance for residents who once had to travel long and costly journeys for care.

Two of the latest facilities-Kiandai in Baragwi Ward and Kiandangae in Kiine Ward- are already serving hundreds of patients every week, delivering on Waiguru’s pledge to expand universal health coverage through the completion of 20 dispensaries across the county.

“Facilities like Kiandai dispensary will be reaching over 6,000 people, we know we are delivering real change. Families are saving time and finances, mothers are accessing antenatal care close to home, and children are getting immunized on time. This is the essence of universal health coverage-bringing services closer to the people so that no mother, child, or family is left behind,” Governor Waiguru said.

Her words are already being felt on the ground. When Purity Wakuthii from Baragwi recently fell ill, she no longer had to dig into her pocket for bus fare to travel to Kianyaga town. Instead, she walked a few minutes from her home to the newly opened Kiandai Dispensary, where she was promptly attended to.

“It has really changed our lives. We just walk in whenever we need treatment, saving both time and money. We thank Governor Waiguru for ensuring this facility was completed and equipped,” Wakuthii said.

At Kiandai, Nurse-in-Charge Beth Njeri said the dispensary targets about 2,434 residents from about 585 households, with an average of 40 patients daily seeking outpatient consultation, pharmacy, laboratory, family planning, and maternal and child healthcare. “We are now able to serve the community right here at their doorstep. This has relieved families of the financial burden of traveling long distances for care,” she noted.

The story is similar at Kiandangae Dispensary in Kiine Ward, where Nurse-in-Charge Antony Muriuki said the facility attends to 50 patients daily, serving about 40 percent of the ward’s 6,000 residents. With 95 percent of essential drugs in stock, the dispensary guarantees reliable treatment, saving patients an average of Ksh. 300 in transport costs.

Mr. Muriuki added that the facility has already covered 21 percent of expectant mothers seeking antenatal care and immunization for children in its catchment area, marking a major milestone in improving maternal and child health.

For locals like Regina Watiri and Rose Wairimu, the facilities have been a lifeline. “Healthcare is finally within reach for those who need it most,” said Watiri. “This dispensary has been a blessing to us. We no longer have to struggle or postpone seeking care because of distance or costs,” Wairimu added.

The County Government under Waiguru’s leadership has also upgraded Kerugoya Hospital to Level Five while the process of expanding Kimbimbi and Kianyaga hospitals to Level Four are at advanced stages. The county has also strengthened community health units -all part of a healthcare system designed to meet residents where they are.

Today, Kiandai and Kiandangae dispensaries alone serve close to 100 patients daily, translating into thousands annually. For families in Baragwi and Kiine, Waiguru’s investment is not just about new buildings, it is about dignity restored, costs reduced, and lives saved.