Kirinyaga Town’s Health Facilities and Hospitals that accept SHA

SHA-Accredited Health Facilities in Kirinyaga

Access to quality healthcare has become significantly easier for residents of Kirinyaga Town and the wider Kirinyaga County following the full adoption of the Social Health Authority (SHA) across numerous health facilities in the region. The SHA scheme, which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund, has transformed healthcare delivery by ensuring that registered members can access both inpatient and outpatient services at affordable rates across a network of public and private healthcare providers.

At the heart of Kirinyaga’s healthcare system stands the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, recently upgraded to a Level 5 facility. This state-of-the-art medical complex represents one of the most ambitious healthcare projects in the county, equipped with modern technology to serve approximately 600 outpatients daily. The hospital boasts specialized departments including a renal unit with eight dialysis machines, an eye unit that has conducted over 800 operations, and a modern CT scan center. These facilities accept SHA coverage, making specialized care accessible to residents who would previously need to travel to Nairobi or other major cities for such services.

The faith-based sector also plays a crucial role in SHA-accredited healthcare provision in Kirinyaga Town. ACK Mt. Kenya Hospital in Kerugoya Town offers comprehensive services including laboratory diagnostics, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and X-ray services, all covered under SHA. Similarly, Mary Immaculate Kerugoya Hospital provides Level 4 hospital services to the community with full SHA acceptance. These faith-based facilities have built strong reputations for quality care and have seamlessly transitioned from the previous NHIF system to the new SHA framework.

Private healthcare providers have equally embraced the SHA initiative. Kerugoya Fortis Medical and Cancer Centre, located along the Kerugoya-Karatina Road in Kibingo, offers specialized services including radiology, cardiology, and surgical operations. The center has become a convenient option for residents seeking private healthcare while utilizing their SHA benefits. Silvercrest Medicare Hospital is another private facility in the county that has integrated SHA coverage into its service delivery model.

Beyond Kerugoya Town, several sub-county hospitals across Kirinyaga have been included in the SHA network. Kianyaga Sub-County Hospital in Gichugu serves the eastern part of the county with inpatient and outpatient services, enhanced maternity care, and emergency services. The facility is currently undergoing significant upgrades that will expand its capacity to serve more patients. Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital in Mwea West provides essential healthcare services and is being developed into a medical complex to reduce patient referrals to larger facilities.

Sagana Sub-County Hospital in Ndia Sub-County has benefited from infrastructure improvements, including the installation of an X-ray unit that has dramatically reduced diagnostic turnaround times. This facility continues to serve as a vital healthcare hub for residents in the northern part of the county. Meanwhile, Baricho Health Centre, though not a full hospital, has expanded its capacity with a newly constructed 30-bed male ward, ensuring that male patients requiring inpatient services can be treated locally rather than being referred to Kerugoya.

Kirinyaga County has made remarkable progress in SHA enrollment, with over 260,000 residents registered, representing approximately 43 percent of the county’s population. The county government has received substantial payments from SHA for services provided to patients, demonstrating the scheme’s operational effectiveness. Governor Ann Waiguru has championed digital health initiatives, with Kerugoya County Referral Hospital already utilizing a Hospital Management Information System to enhance service delivery and patient care.

The adoption of SHA across Kirinyaga’s health facilities represents a significant milestone in achieving universal health coverage in the region. Residents can now access quality healthcare at government facilities, faith-based hospitals, and private clinics without the financial burden that previously limited healthcare accessibility. With ongoing infrastructure developments and the commitment of healthcare providers to the SHA scheme, Kirinyaga County is positioning itself as a model for healthcare delivery in Kenya, ensuring that every resident can receive the medical attention they need when they need it most.