When the name 'Kikopey' is mentioned, many locals in Nakuru are familiar with the delicious nyama choma zones.

It is a busy centre that was started several years ago 40km from Nakuru and 5km from Gilgil town along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.

However, what many might not know is that the centre was brought to life by the many locals who were displaced from Ravine area due to skirmishes.

Read: Health on Trial: Nakuru's well-funded health sector with poor service delivery

A few metres from the centre is a little known dispensary. Kikopey Dispensary Health Facility sits on a half an acre piece of land that was donated by members of the community.

The dispensary is key to over 2,000 locals of Kikopey Sub location in terms of service delivery.

Led by Patrick Wahuthi, the locals say they no longer have to walk all the way to Gilgil town that is several kilometres when seeking services.

"We used to walk to Gilgil in search of health services until this facility came up," he says.

Sentiments echoed by area MCA Rose Njoroge. She however admits that the facility has had challenges, the biggest one being lack of a laboratory. According to her, the county administration has allocated Sh 3 million towards lab construction.

Also Read: Health on Trial: Over Sh 1billion health projects in Nakuru stall, remain idle

In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, Nakuru County Director of Medical Services Dr. Daniel Wainaina while admitting the workload at the facility that has been operational for the last five years, called for the need to start a conversation towards upgrading.

"We need to think of expanding the facility as this is the third in terms of workload after Kiptangwanyi and Gilgil. We also need to start a conversation on how to tap into the partnership," said Dr. Wainaina.

Following increase in the population of Kikopey and its environs, the facility shall be upgraded.

The upgrade that will be carried out by Rotary Club of Hullingham Nairobi in partnership with County Government of Nakuru, include construction and equipping of a laboratory, additional sanitation facilities as well as restoring the power back-up solution.

Related: Health on Trial: We are understaffed and overworked, Nakuru medics speak

There will also be expansion of the existing pharmacy to provide more space to store the medical supplies and manage the dispensation of drugs.

pmambili@gmail.com

Relief as Kikopey dispensary is earmarked for a facelift

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Pristone Mambili