Kirinyaga lauded as pioneer in health financing model as Tharaka Nithi, Taita Taveta counties enchmark

Kirinyaga County has been recognised as a pioneer in the implementation of Facility Improvement Financing (FIF), allowing public hospitals to retain and manage their own revenue for operational costs. 

The county has already operationalised the model by appointing hospital boards and committees to oversee the use of funds generated by medical facilities.

During a recent benchmarking visit by Members of Tharaka Nithi County Assembly and senior health officials from Taita Taveta County, Kirinyaga's health sector was highlighted as an exemplary case for improving healthcare delivery and financial management. 

The delegation toured the 341-bed Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, including the Outpatient department, newborn unit, pediatric ward, ICU, HDU, theater, and male and female wards.

Chogoria Ward MCA, Franklin Mawira, expressed admiration for the successful rollout of FIF and the resulting transformation in Kirinyaga's health sector. 

He noted improvements in health infrastructure and service delivery, positioning the county as a leader in health services management. “The new-born unit is a game changer for mothers, and the psychiatry department reduces reliance on national facilities like Mathari. FIF is clearly working here, it is the way to go,” Mawira said.

Ngariama Ward MCA Daniel Kibinga also emphasized the positive impact of FIF, particularly in enabling the county to make swift financial decisions for hospital operations. "If something breaks down, the board can approve immediate use of funds. There’s no delay waiting for the Controller of Budget,” he noted.

Violet Mkamburi, Taita Taveta County’s Chief Officer for Health, praised Kirinyaga's hospital as a model for their own upcoming Level 5 hospital project. 

She highlighted the successful design and service delivery as key takeaways from the visit. "What we have seen today confirms all the good things we heard. We will implement these best practices back home," Mkamburi said.

Dr. Mwendia Mutema, Head of Infectious Diseases in Kirinyaga, attributed the successful implementation of FIF to the leadership of Governor Anne Waiguru, who ensured legal compliance and supported infrastructure improvements.

"Most of our recurrent services run smoothly now. The demand for quality and affordable healthcare services has continued to increase, and FIF is helping us meet those demands,” Dr. Mutema explained.

Seven counties, including Turkana, Laikipia, Kiambu, Nyeri, Bomet, Tharaka Nithi, and Taita Taveta, have visited Kirinyaga to learn from its healthcare model.

Governor Anne Waiguru expressed pride in the transformation of Kirinyaga’s healthcare system, emphasizing significant investments in infrastructure and service delivery.

The county’s Kerugoya Medical Complex, now upgraded to a Level 5 facility, has improved access to comprehensive medical services previously unavailable in the region.

Recent surveys, including one by Infotrak, ranked Kirinyaga’s health sector third in the country for performance. Waiguru believes the growing interest in Kirinyaga’s model through these benchmarking visits signals the effectiveness of the reforms, with other counties eager to adopt similar practices.