By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 18 December 2025 - Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu has said the commissioning of the Muhonia Dispensary in Ngobit Ward is about restoring dignity to rural families who have for years struggled to access basic healthcare.
Speaking during the facility’s commissioning, Irungu said residents of Muhonia Village had been unfairly disadvantaged by long distances to health centres, often forcing expectant mothers, the elderly and children to travel over 20 kilometres in search of treatment.
“For a long time, our people have been forced to cross county boundaries to Nyeri or travel to Lamuria for basic services. That is not acceptable in this day and age,” the governor said.
"Healthcare should be available where people live, not kilometres away.”
Irungu noted that the fully operational dispensary will provide essential services such as maternity care, immunisation and medical diagnosis, easing pressure on neighbouring facilities and improving health outcomes at the community level.
“This dispensary means safer deliveries for our mothers, timely immunisation for our children and early diagnosis for common illnesses,” he said.
“It will save lives and also reduce the cost and risk associated with long-distance travel.”
The governor said the facility is part of a broader county strategy to decentralize healthcare and strengthen service delivery in rural and marginalized areas.
“We are deliberately taking services closer to the people. Muhonia is just one example of our commitment to ensure no village is left behind,” Irungu said.
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He added that the dispensary is expected to spur local economic growth by creating jobs and attracting complementary investments in the area.
“When you bring services closer, you also unlock economic potential. Small businesses will thrive, and our people will spend less time and money seeking healthcare,” he said.
Irungu further linked the health project to ongoing county investments in water, roads and livelihoods.
“As a county government, we are investing in borehole water reticulation, improving road access and creating an environment where businesses can grow,” he said.
“Development must be holistic, and it must reach every household.”
The governor reiterated that his administration will continue prioritizing grassroots healthcare as a key pillar of improving livelihoods across Laikipia County.
Laikipia Governor Commissions Muhonia Dispensary in Ngobit Ward
Governor Joshua Irungu: New Muhonia Dispensary Brings Dignity and Relief to Rural Families
