The Kirinyaga County Government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the fight against Tuberculosis (TB), with a strong focus on early diagnosis and timely treatment.
The new Kirinyaga County Strategic Operational Framework for Tuberculosis aims to ensure that TB control efforts are well-coordinated, data-driven, and community-centered.
Expanding Access to TB Services
Under the strategy, the county plans to expand access to TB services across both public and private health facilities, integrate TB care into routine health services, and enhance disease prevention efforts.
County Executive Committee Member for Health George Karoki warned that undiagnosed TB cases remain a major concern.
“We are still missing cases. Too many people, especially men, are coming to hospital late. And when TB is detected late, it spreads further, costs more to treat, and claims more lives,” he said.
Faster Diagnosis Through Sample Referral System
To improve diagnosis, the county also launched the Kirinyaga County Integrated Sample Referral System Guidelines, aimed at speeding up the transportation of patient samples from remote facilities to laboratories.
Karoki noted that the system will ensure patients in hard-to-reach areas are not disadvantaged.
“A patient in the most remote part of Kirinyaga will no longer be disadvantaged. Their sample will reach the lab faster. Their diagnosis will come earlier. Their treatment will start sooner,” he said.
Warning Over Drug-Resistant TB
Health officials cautioned that failure to complete treatment increases the risk of drug-resistant TB, which is significantly harder and more expensive to treat.
Focus on High-Burden Areas
The strategy was launched during World TB Day commemorations held at Wang’uru in Mwea—an area identified as having the highest TB burden in the county.
Strengthening Detection and Care
County Director of Health Services Esbon Gakuo revealed that 1,500 TB cases were recorded in 2025.
Kirinyaga currently operates 107 TB service points, including public facilities and private partners, all offering free diagnosis and treatment.
To enhance detection, the county has installed advanced GeneXpert machines at:
- Kerugoya County Referral Hospital
- Kimbimbi Hospital
- Sagana Hospital
- Thiba Hospital
These machines enable rapid and accurate detection of TB, including drug-resistant strains.
A 24-bed TB isolation unit has also been established at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital to manage severe cases.
Community Engagement Key
The county is working closely with private health facilities and community health promoters to identify suspected cases early and link patients to care.
Health experts emphasized that TB, an airborne disease primarily affecting the lungs, can also impact other organs such as the spine, kidneys, and brain.
Survivors Share Hope
Survivors shared powerful testimonies during the event.
Charity Wanjiru Ngatia, 30, recounted her recovery after being diagnosed in 2020 while pregnant.
“I completed my medication as prescribed, even during pregnancy, and today both my child and I are healthy,” she said.
Similarly, Dorcas Nyawira, 26, emphasized the importance of accepting diagnosis and adhering to treatment.
“Testing is important because TB can affect different parts of the body,” she said.
Call to Action
Residents have been urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.
As Kirinyaga intensifies its fight against TB, officials expressed optimism that early detection, strict treatment adherence, and community involvement will significantly reduce infections and move the county closer to eliminating the disease.
