Dialysis services in Kirinyaga County are set for a major boost after the County Government confirmed the arrival of new equipment under the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP).
County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, George Karoki, said Kerugoya County Referral Hospital will this week receive 10 dialysis machines, while Sagana, Kimbimbi, and Kianyaga Level Four hospitals will each receive five machines.
He noted that the expanded allocation will replace eight machines earlier supplied under the Managed Equipment Service (MES) Programme, which had served patients for over seven years before becoming obsolete.
“This transition is not just a replacement but a significant expansion of dialysis capacity that will greatly enhance access to specialized healthcare for our residents,” Karoki said.
The CECM, however, observed that the late delivery of the new machines was due to delays at the national level, which temporarily affected patients in need of renal services.
He acknowledged that Kerugoya Hospital had faced increased demand with only two machines operational, a situation that had prompted concerns from patients and their families.
“Those challenges are now being addressed through the new allocation, which will ensure that residents no longer have to worry about delays in accessing dialysis services,” he explained.
During the transition period, patients were referred to other facilities within the county, both public and private, with treatment costs fully covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Karoki assured residents that no patient was left behind and that the county remains committed to affordable healthcare.
“Even as we awaited the arrival of these machines, all patients continued to receive life-saving care without out-of-pocket expenses. We remain committed to uninterrupted, high-quality, and affordable healthcare for every Kirinyaga resident,” he emphasized.
Besides dialysis, Kerugoya County Referral Hospital has already received a CT scan, a mammogram machine, an ultrasound, and digital X-ray machines under NESP.
The equipment has already been installed and is operational, easing access to advanced diagnostic services within the county.
Karoki further said the county is focused on transforming Kerugoya Level Five Hospital into a modern facility capable of handling advanced treatments, in line with the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
“Our collective commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and delivering on the promise of a healthier Kirinyaga remains at the heart of our development agenda,” he added.
