Karumandi: 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, 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 emphasized the importance of bringing healthcare services closer to communities, as many illnesses could be prevented, detected, and treated early before becoming more critical.
‘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 noted that the opening of Kavote Dispensary was part of a wider expansion of healthcare infrastructure across the county, with more than 13 new dispensaries already operationalized in different wards.
She added that the county was upgrading higher-level hospitals to ensure residents could access specialized treatment closer to home. ‘The upgrading of Kimbimbi and Kianyaga hospitals to Level 4 facilities is at an advanced stage, with the new medical complexes now 95 percent complete and the county government undertaking equipping works,’ she said.
Waiguru highlighted the expansion of specialized services at the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital and mentioned the recruitment of more healthcare workers. A total of 64 healthcare workers, including doctors, specialists, and nurses, were recruited in the last financial year, with more than 116 additional staff being recruited this financial year.
She praised the cordial relationship between the county government and healthcare workers, which has helped maintain uninterrupted services in Kirinyaga amid healthcare delivery disruptions in other counties. Technology also plays an increasing role in the county’s health system, with all 75 health facilities now digitalized.
Waiguru noted that digital systems have improved patient records, reporting, and accountability while aiding the county in monitoring health facilities’ performance and making informed decisions. For residents, however, the biggest change is likely the convenience of having healthcare services closer to home.
Juliana Muthoni highlighted the dispensary’s significant impact, particularly for mothers and children who often require regular medical attention. Karumandi Ward MCA Caroline Wanjiku praised the development in the ward, citing improvements in roads, water supply, markets, and Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centers.
Nominated MCA Harrison Kariuki emphasized the facility’s importance for expectant mothers and people living with disabilities who previously traveled long distances for treatment. Kirinyaga County Assembly Majority Leader Benson Ngahu and Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari commended Waiguru’s development record and the county government’s healthcare investments.
The event also featured Governor Waiguru distributing water pipes, tents, and chairs under the county’s socio-economic empowerment programme. Fourteen tents and 740 chairs were issued to 25 self-help groups, while 155 high-density UPVC pipes were distributed, benefiting about 850 homesteads in Karumandi.
For beneficiaries, the support extends beyond immediate assistance. Alice Wambui Mugo noted that the tents would help groups meet community needs and create income opportunities by renting them for events. Another resident, Peter Njogu, said the water pipes would facilitate irrigation water distribution, improving agricultural production.
