Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe on Tuesday delivered a detailed State of the County Address at the Kitui County Assembly, outlining major achievements in health and other critical sectors under his administration.
Governor Malombe reported that his government has implemented 1,921 development projects across all 40 wards and 247 villages in less than three years, with 989 of these under the Community Level Infrastructure Development Programme (CLIDP), aimed at equitable service delivery.
Health Sector Transformation
Highlighting health as a pillar of development, the Governor emphasized ongoing investment in promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare to ensure improved well-being and productivity of Kitui residents.
Since 2022, the number of operational health facilities has risen from 306 to 311, with the opening of new dispensaries in Mutomo/Kibwea, Kyuso, Miambani, Zombe/Mwitika, and Mutonguni. Construction and renovation works are underway in 34 additional facilities in underserved areas, advancing the county’s goal of a dispensary in every village.
The Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Centre, operational since November 2023 at Kitui County Referral Hospital, has served 3,806 patients, with 188 currently under treatment. Newly launched outpatient blocks at Kitui Referral, Mutomo, Zombe, and Kyuso hospitals have eased congestion and improved service delivery.
Maternal, Child and Critical Care Services
To enhance maternal and newborn care, the county has expanded operational maternity units from 81 in 2022 to 99 in 2025, and constructed a 70-bed Newborn Unit at Kitui Referral Hospital, reducing infant mortality from 47 to 13 per 1,000 live births. A maternity unit was also established at Nuu Sub-County Hospital in partnership with the Catholic Medical Mission Board.
The ICU at Kitui Referral has so far treated 196 critical patients, while a Hemophilia Clinic continues to support 12 individuals. Plans are underway to operationalize ICU and HDU units at Mwingi Level IV Hospital.
Diagnostic and Emergency Services
The Governor announced the reinstatement of CT scan services at Kitui Referral Hospital and the completion of 11 new laboratories and X-ray units, enhancing diagnostic capabilities countywide.
Emergency healthcare has also seen improvements, with nine ambulances rehabilitated, raising the functional fleet to 26, and 96 health facilities stocked with life-saving anti-snake venom, targeting high-risk zones.
Additionally, mortuaries have been completed at Kitui Referral, Mwingi Level IV, and health centres in Kyome/Thaana and Yatta/Kwa Vonza.
A Vision for Sustainable Health Financing
Governor Malombe committed to implementing the Facilities Improvement Financing (FIF) Act, 2023 to bolster local revenue collection and ensure sustainable funding for healthcare delivery.
“Health is the first wealth,” the Governor quoted philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, reaffirming his administration’s pledge to deliver quality, accessible, and equitable healthcare services to every resident of Kitui County.
Written By Rodney Mbua
