Four new dialysis machines installed at Kerugoya Level 5 Hospital, September 23, 2025. /ANNE WAIGURUFor years, kidney patients in Kirinyaga county endured long queues and painful delays at Kerugoya Level 5 Hospital, where only two dialysis machines were available to serve a growing number of patients.
Some were forced to travel neighbouring counties, adding financial strain to an already heavy burden.
That reality is now beginning to change.
Governor Anne Waiguru has announced the installation of four new dialysis machines at the hospital, raising the total to six.
She said six more machines expected in the coming weeks.
“We are expecting the remaining six to arrive soon. We will continue following up to ensure full delivery and improved care for the people of Kirinyaga. We thank the National Government for their invaluable support,” she said.
On August 7, President William Ruto launched a multi-billion-shilling medical equipment leasing initiative for select national and county hospitals to provide modern health machines.
The National Equipment Support Programme (NESP) replaced the controversial Managed Equipment Services (MES) scheme.
The seven-year initiative will ensure that hospitals across the country are equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies that will be accessible to all Kenyans.
On September 8, Waiguru had expressed regret that of the eight MES-supplied machines received over seven years ago, only two were functional.
"Under the NESP, we are set to get 10 new ones, but delivery has been pending for over two months. We continue to follow up their urgent supply so patients can be served promptly and fully," she said in a statement.
Kenyans and Kirinyaga residents in particular welcomed the news with gratitude, describing it as life-saving progress.
“These machines will save lives and ease the burden on families,” one said, thanking the governor for pushing relentlessly.
Others spoke of the relief that fewer patients would now be forced to make costly trips in search of treatment.
"Every additional machine means more patients can access timely treatment without long waits. This is service delivery in action," one said.
Others noted that partnerships between the county and the national government were paying off, ensuring Kirinyaga residents were not left behind in accessing specialised treatment.
Another resident pointed out that once all 12 machines are delivered, Kerugoya Level 5 would rank among the best-equipped hospitals for dialysis services in the region.
Others lauded the progress as proof of tangible service delivery, emphasising that every additional machine would cut waiting times and allow more patients to get timely care.
Residents further urged continuous follow-ups to ensure promises translate into action, noting that people living with kidney complications in the county deserve nothing less.
The arrival of the new machines marks a turning point for Kerugoya Level 5 Hospital, which has struggled with limited capacity to handle rising cases of kidney disease.
