Nyamira governor slams Duale's 'collapsed healthcare' claims

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo has refuted Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale's claims that the county's healthcare system has collapsed.

Governor Nyaribo, backed by County Health Services Executive Dr. Donald Mogoi, dismissed Duale's Senate assertions regarding Nyamira's alleged failure to acquire dialysis and CT scan machines under the National Equipment Services Programme (NESP).

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CS Duale had accused Nyamira of a healthcare collapse due to poor leadership, specifically citing the lack of NESP equipment. However, the governor's office clarified that Nyamira's healthcare system is fully functional and has significantly improved over the last five years through strategic investments.

"The healthcare in Nyamira has collapsed, and it has collapsed because of your governor," Duale said.

In a press statement released on April 22, 2026, the governor's office said the claims were misleading and based on incomplete information presented at the Senate.

“Our attention has been drawn to the statement of the Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale at the Senate today, claiming that the healthcare system in Nyamira County has collapsed,” the statement read.

The county government maintained that its healthcare system “is working,” pointing to the Nyamira County Referral Hospital as a key facility serving over 116 health centres across the region.

Officials said the sector has seen significant progress in recent years, attributing this to sustained investment in human and financial resources.

"The healthcare system in Nyamira has greatly improved over the last five years as a result of intentional investment,” the statement noted.

The county further cited data showing that patients from neighbouring regions are increasingly seeking treatment in its facilities. According to the statement, this trend reflects growing confidence in local healthcare services.

Nyamira also highlighted expanded specialised care, including renal and orthopaedic surgeries. It said more than 175 patients have benefitted from urology services, while dialysis is accessible to those who need it.

Addressing concerns about diagnostic capacity, the county confirmed that the referral hospital has CT scan machines, which have improved access to critical imaging services.

“Patients are no longer travelling to facilities outside the county or in private hospitals,” the statement said.

On the issue of equipment under the national programme, the county clarified that additional machines can only be acquired.

"If need arises", adding that such a situation has not occurred.

The statement highlighted that the Nyamira County Referral Hospital (NCRH) already possesses CT scan machines and offers crucial dialysis services, along with specialised renal and orthopaedic surgeries.

The county states that since 2022, more than 175 patients have benefited from urology services. The county emphasised that these services are running smoothly, and additional NESP equipment would only be considered if a need arose, which they contend has not happened.

Evidence of a robust system includes patients from neighbouring counties seeking medical attention at NCRH and Masaba Subcounty Level 4 Hospital.

Governor Nyaribo, who is angling for a second term in the 2027 general elections, reaffirmed that a working healthcare system remains a top priority for his administration as t he county moved to calm public concern, assuring residents that systems are in place to handle referrals where necessary.

“We assure the public that the Healthcare system in Nyamira County is fully functional,” the statement said, adding, “There should be no panic.”