Kirinyaga County has allocated Sh58 million specifically for the management of hypertension, a condition that has affected over 17,000 people in the region. The County Director of Health Services, Dr. Esbon Gakuo, explained that these funds are intended to raise awareness about hypertension and improve access to care for those living with the condition.
Hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” frequently goes undiagnosed until serious complications develop. Dr. Gakuo emphasized the importance of regular blood pressure screenings, as many people are unaware they have the condition until it causes severe health issues such as stroke or kidney failure. He revealed that it is estimated more than 80,000 people in Kirinyaga County are living with hypertension, yet only about 17,000 are currently receiving treatment.
In recent years, the number of reported cases has been steadily rising. In 2024 alone, Kirinyaga recorded 3,760 new hypertension cases, an increase from 2,998 cases in the previous year. This upward trend is linked to lifestyle factors including poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.
Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases, which rank as the second leading cause of death in Kenya. Recognizing this growing health challenge, Kirinyaga County has intensified efforts to manage hypertension through a range of interventions aimed at early detection and effective treatment.
One of the key strategies has been integrating blood pressure monitoring services into over 75 health facilities across the county. In addition, specialized hypertension clinics have been established at hospitals in Kerugoya, Kimbimbi, Kianyaga, and Sagana. These clinics provide focused care to patients, improving disease management and outcomes.
Governor Anne Waiguru’s administration has prioritized hypertension alongside other non-communicable diseases. Every financial year, the county allocates over Sh83 million for non-communicable disease management, with Sh58 million of that specifically set aside for hypertension care. This investment aims to curb the growing burden of the disease by ensuring that more people are diagnosed early and receive proper treatment.
Besides medical interventions, the county government is promoting healthy lifestyle choices to prevent hypertension. Residents are encouraged to reduce salt intake, quit tobacco, limit alcohol consumption, and increase physical activity. To support these messages, community health promoters have been deployed to villages throughout Kirinyaga. These health workers conduct screenings and educate residents on hypertension prevention and management, improving early detection and awareness at the grassroots level.
One community health promoter, Alice Muriuki, shared her personal experience with hypertension. Diagnosed 15 years ago, she credited the support from healthcare professionals and medication for helping her manage the condition effectively. Alice encourages others to regularly check their blood pressure and adhere to medical advice to avoid complications.
Similarly, another resident, Ruth Wanjiku, spoke about her journey from denial to acceptance after her diagnosis. Initially reluctant to take medication, she later attended clinics where she learned how proper treatment can prevent life-threatening complications such as stroke and kidney failure. Ruth now follows her treatment regimen diligently and advocates for others to do the same.
The county’s health efforts are complemented by other initiatives, including a fish farming project led by the governor, aimed at increasing fish production as an affordable, healthy protein source. This is part of a broader push to promote better diets and reduce lifestyle-related diseases like hypertension.
By combining medical care, community outreach, and lifestyle interventions, Kirinyaga County aims to reduce the impact of hypertension on its residents. However, health officials continue to urge people to take responsibility for their health by undergoing regular blood pressure checks and adopting healthier habits. Without such efforts, the burden of hypertension is expected to rise further, placing more strain on the healthcare system and the community at large.
