By Kelvin Kimaru

Kiambu County is managing over 50,000 residents with diabetes and hypertension through aggressive screening and decentralized care.

This has been further aided by establishment of 46 Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) link facilities across the county, slashing travel distances and costs for routine check-ups, with expansion plans targeting underserved areas.

These are strategic steps and investments made in winning the war against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that are an ongoing challenge in the world. NCDs affect families, workplaces, and people from across demographics causing emotional turmoil and economic strains in communities.

The Governor Kimani Wamatangi led administration has strengthened the fight against NCDs by operationalizing the Health Products and Technologies Unit (HTPU), ensuring that essential medicines, diagnostic equipment, and medical supplies for NCD management are available at the right place and time.

Through the HTPU, Kiambu County has enhanced coordination of commodity procurement, distribution, and stock monitoring, significantly reducing stock outs of hypertension and diabetes drugs across the 46 NCD link facilities.

According to County Director of Health, Dr. Hillary Kagwa, the county’s progress is anchored in collaboration and structured planning: “We have set up a multi-sectoral Technical Working Group that is looking comprehensively into matters NCD, bringing together stakeholders from health, nutrition, education, community structures, mental health, and development partners to strengthen prevention, treatment, and accountability.”

The Kiambu County Non-Communicable Diseases Technical Working Group

As a county that knows too well the burden of lifestyle diseases, significant strides have been made in curbing their rise and improving the quality of life for those already living with the diseases.

Beyond facility-based care, Kiambu has invested heavily in community support systems to ensure that people living with NCDs do not suffer in silence.

In Limuru and Ruiru, dedicated support groups have been formed, offering safe spaces for experience sharing, peer learning, lifestyle coaching, and emotional support.

NCD Coordinator, Joan Munene, notes that these networks are producing positive responses.

“These support groups work well because people enrich and educate each other, and the shared knowledge has been key in improving adherence to medication and promoting healthier living,” she said.

On matters cancer treatment and management, Kiambu has strengthened the continuum of care by setting up a fully functional cancer center at Thika Level V Hospital, which offers an array of diagnostic and treatment services, while a similar center in Gatundu Level V Hospital has been established and is scheduled for launching soon. These facilities will expand oncology health care access across the County.