Kirinyaga residents condemn alcoholism at KTN’s Sikika Sasa show

Kirinyaga, Kenya: Poor medical facilities, dilapidated roads and drug abuse featured among pertinent issues affecting Kirinyaga County residents during KTN's talk show, Sikika Sasa.

Speaking at the show, which is sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), residents said county hospitals lack adequate laboratory services.

“We have heard of numerous complaints about the matter and since then, we have resorted to changing the management of Kerugoya Hospital,” said Governor Joseph Ndathi.

He further added that the county government will be facilitating the costs of laboratory tests in government hospitals within the county.

Other participants of the programme were Maendeleo ya Wanawake secretary Wanjiku Gatimu and Kabue Mwai Chair, Kirinyaga Business Association.

At the show, various women pleaded with the county leadership to have illicit brew dens shut down saying they have been detrimental to men and youth in the county.

“Our men are drinking themselves to death. We want the dens closed down because our people are getting finished,” said Wanjiku Gatimu.

Some of the women confessed to having husbands who hardly play the father figure role and youth who idle around.

“Alcoholism has been rife in the area, a norm that has subjected women to the task of fending for the family,” said a resident, Caroline Muthoni.

The plight of the affected was acknowledged by the county leadership, who promised to provide employment opportunities to help fight alcoholism.

Some of the locals opposed the governor’s plan to build a Sh390 million county government office saying that the funds should be used to address issues affecting reisdents. 

“The money can be used to improve the feeder roads from our farms, which to me is a bigger problem than the office construction,” said Maranatha, a resident.

Governor Ndathi defended the office construction saying it is meant to bring together the county leaders, as they are disjointed at the moment.

He further added that infrastructure has improved that  feeder roads will be renovated.

Though some residents remain content on the county’s progress, a section of them want their issues addressed so that Kirinyaga County achieves a new face.