Kisii County Governor James Ongwae has revealed the number of dispensaries his government is yet to open.
Speaking on Saturday accompanied by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i during the official opening of Nyabonge dispensary in Sensi ward Kitutu Chache North constituency, Ongwae said 80 dispensaries are yet to be opened.
The Governor argued that the dispensaries are taking too long to be operational due to lack of enough funds to buy hospital equipment and hire nurses.
"80 dispensaries are yet to be opened due to lack of medical equipment and shortage of nurses to be deployed to work at the facilities," he said.
Ongwae reemphasised his commitment to engage donors and the national government to help buy the needed equipment for the facilities to be operational.
He assured that the county government is committed to giving residents access to affordable healthcare and further revealed that his government is working hard to construct an outpatient department at Marani Sub County.
"My administration will ensure Marani Sub County hospital becomes a referral hospital. This will be achieved by constructing a mortuary and equip the facility with more equipment," he added.
Sensi ward MCA Paul Angwenyi echoed Governor Ongwae's sentiments and assured him full support.
"I will stand with the Governor and push for more treatment equipment to be set up at Nyabonge dispensary for locals to access proper and quality medical care," said Angwenyi.