Construction of a new Ksh40 million maternity wing has commenced at Nyaribo Dispensary in Nyeri County, marking a joint investment by the Ministry of Health and the County Government of Nyeri to bring quality maternal and essential healthcare services closer to residents.
Speaking when he presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga said the expansion will increase the dispensary’s capacity and support its elevation to a Level III health facility.
The investment is expected to improve access to maternal healthcare, reduce the distance residents travel to seek services and contribute to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.
Dr. Oluga highlighted the significant investments being undertaken by the National Government through the Ministry of Health to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and specialised services in Nyeri County and the wider Mt. Kenya region.
These include approximately Ksh1 billion for the development of a surgical centre at Nyeri County Referral Hospital and the elevation of Mwai Kibaki Hospital to a Level VI facility to enhance access to specialised healthcare services.
He also cited the development of new Mother and Child Health facilities at Naro Moru Level IV Hospital and Karatina Level IV Hospital as part of the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen maternal and child health services across the county.
Dr. Oluga reaffirmed President William Ruto’s administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage and encouraged residents of Nyaribo and the wider Nyeri County to register with the Social Health Authority to protect their households from financial hardship associated with healthcare costs.
Area Member of Parliament Duncan Mathenge commended the National Government for its development agenda in Nyeri County and the wider Mt. Kenya region, noting that the ongoing investments would significantly improve access to quality healthcare services.
Principal Secretary for East African Community Affairs Dr. Caroline Karugu welcomed the investment and expressed appreciation for the support extended to Nyaribo Dispensary.
She also reflected on her personal connection to the facility, noting that her mother served as its first treasurer.
Representing the Governor, Nyeri County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr. Joseph Kiragu conveyed the County Government’s appreciation for its partnership with the National Government.
He reaffirmed the county’s commitment to ensuring that the facility is adequately staffed with a fit-for-purpose health workforce and supplied with essential health products and technologies upon completion.
The Nyaribo Maternity Wing forms part of the Government’s broader investment in health infrastructure to bring essential services closer to communities, strengthen the capacity of health facilities and accelerate the realisation of Universal Health Coverage.
Present were Principal Secretary for East African Community Affairs Dr. Caroline Karugu, Area Member of Parliament Hon. Duncan Mathenge, Nyeri County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr. Joseph Kiragu, senior Ministry of Health officials, healthcare workers and other stakeholders.
