By Victoria Mwende and Alex Njeru
In a bold step towards transforming healthcare delivery in Tharaka Nithi County, Governor Muthomi Njuki has announced an expansive plan to upgrade several hospitals, a move residents and stakeholders say will revolutionize access to medical services across the region.
Speaking at Kibugua in Magumoni Ward, Governor Njuki revealed that local health facilities will receive significant infrastructural and service upgrades.
Key among the developments is the elevation of Kibugua and Mbukoni health centres, both located in Chuka/Igamba Ng’ombe constituency, to Level 4 hospitals.
These will serve as crucial feeder facilities to the Chuka County Referral Hospital, which recently attained Level 5 status ans which currently overcrowded with patients coming even from the neighbouring Meru, Kitui and Embu counties.
Additionally, Muthambi Health Centre in Maara Constituency and Gatunga Model Health Centre in Tharaka Constituency are also slated for upgrading to Level 4.
The governor emphasized that these developments will decentralize healthcare access and reduce the burden on higher-level hospitals.
“We are committed to ensuring that every resident, regardless of location, can access quality healthcare services within their locality,” Governor Njuki said.
“Upgrading these facilities means we can handle more cases at the grassroots level and reduce unnecessary referrals to distant hospitals.”
The county boss who is serving his second term also highlighted plans to expand out-patient services in sub-county hospitals, a measure aimed at improving daily service delivery and easing patient congestion.
According to health officials, this will particularly benefit patients with chronic conditions who require frequent consultations and follow-ups.
The announcement has been met with widespread approval from Members of the County Assembly and residents, who described the initiative as timely and transformative.
Many community members expressed optimism that the upgrades would address long-standing challenges such as overcrowding, delays in service, and the high cost of medical referrals to urban centers.
“I believe this will make a big difference, especially for our mothers and children,” said Miriam Karimi, a resident of Magumoni. “Accessing specialized care closer to home will save lives and reduce costs for many families.”
Healthcare professionals in the county echoed the sentiments, noting that upgrading facilities will also offer practical opportunities for medical students and also attract more skilled personnel and enable better equipment and drug availability.
The hospital upgrade plan forms part of Tharaka Nithi’s broader strategic development agenda, which aims to enhance public service delivery and promote equitable growth across all sectors.
Governor Njuki, a health champion and chairperson of Health Committee in the Council of Governors’ affirmed that the health sector remains a top priority under his administration.
“This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about delivering people-centered healthcare that reflects the needs and aspirations of our residents,” he said. “We want Tharaka Nithi to be a benchmark for healthcare reform in the region.”
As part of the initiative, the county government is also encouraging residents to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme to ensure universal health coverage and affordability.
“I urge all our people to register with SHA so that they can fully benefit from the improved healthcare services we are putting in place,” Governor Njuki advised.
With construction and equipping of upgraded facilities set to commence in phases, the county government has pledged transparency and stakeholder engagement throughout the implementation process.
As the plan unfolds, Tharaka Nithi is poised to become a model county in delivering inclusive, accessible, and quality healthcare—proving that strategic investment in health infrastructure is key to community wellbeing and sustainable development.
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