Kiambu County: Governor Dr. Kimani Wamatangi has launched a new set of state-of-the-art medical equipment, including digital X-ray machines, advanced ultrasound systems, and life-saving dialysis machines. The launch, held in Thika on Tuesday, marks a significant milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services.
According to Kenya News Agency, the new medical machines will be installed in hospitals across Kiambu, including facilities in Githunguri, Thika, Lari, Nyathuna, Lusigetti, Gachororo (Juja), Makongeni (Thika), and Lang’ata (Githurai). Additionally, dialysis and endoscopy machines have been introduced in Karuri, Tigoni, Igegania, Kigumo (Komothai), Kahara, Ruiru, Thika, and Kiambu hospitals over the past 18 months.
Governor Wamatangi announced a budget of Sh2.5 billion for equipping health facilities, with Sh500 million allocated for renewing equipment in existing facilities and Sh2 billion for equipping new Level Four and Level Three hospitals currently under construction. The
governor highlighted that his administration has completed the expansion and refurbishment of hospitals where the new digital X-ray machines will replace outdated equipment.
Kiambu County is now among the few that have these digital X-ray machines, which can assess kidney function, evaluate the uterus to monitor fetal health, and facilitate early treatment. The technology also assesses the pancreas and helps detect prostate cancer, ensuring comprehensive medical interventions.
Wamatangi also announced that the Kikuyu (Thogoto) Level Four Hospital in Kikuyu Sub-County is now 95 percent complete. The 160-bed facility, whose construction began in 2016 but stalled for over seven years, was revived in 2023. Once completed, it will be part of the initiative to increase healthcare access in Kiambu.
For residents like Mary Muthoni from Ruiru, the new dialysis machines at Ruiru Hospital bring significant relief. She shared her experience of previously traveling long distances for dialysis sessions, which was both e
xhausting and expensive. The new equipment allows her to receive treatment closer to home, providing a vital lifeline.
The investments have already started making an impact across the county. Patients who previously traveled to Nairobi for specialized treatments can now access services locally, reducing financial burdens and easing the strain on referral hospitals.
Governor Wamatangi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare, stating that the goal is to make Kiambu County a model for healthcare delivery in Kenya. By equipping hospitals with modern machines and expanding facilities, the county aims to improve the quality of life for its residents.
As Kiambu County continues its healthcare improvement program, stories like Mary’s highlight the transformative power of accessible and efficient medical services.