Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has opened a new dispensary in Kiandai, Kiine ward, in Ndia Constituency.
The facility will serve around 6,000 people from the ward, making it a valuable resource and a significant step towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage in the county.
It will save beneficiaries the agony of travelling up to 5 km to either Sagana or Baricho, which are the nearest health facilities.
The dispensary will offer services such as maternal and child welfare and laboratory and pharmaceutical services, thus reducing morbidity and mortality in the area.
She called upon those who will be put in charge of the facility to ensure prudent use of the resources, including drugs and equipment, noting that there have been cases of supply theft by unscrupulous medics in public health facilities.
“Sometimes we buy drugs, and a few individuals take them away to their private facilities for sale. I also want to ask you to be vigilant and report any suspected theft of such supplies.” She told the public.
The governor used the opportunity to thank the Community Health Promoters for their hard work and dedication.
Waiguru also officially opened a modern Riakiania market at the neighbouring Mukure ward within the same Ndia Constituency aimed at providing a conducive environment for farmers and traders to aggregate and sell their produce, thus supporting the local economy.
The market will accommodate about 250 traders dealing in fresh agricultural produce, cloth, assorted household goods (mali mali), and clothes, serving people from Kabonge, Karaini, Kiburu, Kiaragana, Kaharo, Karimaini, and Kiamunyi villages, among others.
“The market comes as a great relief to the traders who have been selling in the open air, makeshift sheds, or the streets, saving them from the losses incurred when their produce gets spoilt by extreme sunshine or rainfall.” Said the governor.
The market has modern amenities such as modern toilets, including those designed to accommodate persons living with disabilities, adequate water supply, electricity, and garbage skips for solid waste disposal.
The county has constructed 18 markets and is partnering with the National Government for the construction of 10 more to make a total of 28 modern markets.
She noted that the markets will provide farmers with an avenue of aggregating their produce, which can then be sold in bulk to agroprocessors in the upcoming Sagana Industrial Park.
Waiguru said that the projects were in line with her election promises to improve the living standards of Ndia residents through the provision of quality, efficient, and effective service delivery.
By Mutai Kipngetich
