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Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Wednesday commissioned new medical equipment at Makueni County Referral Hospital, marking a major boost to surgical and diagnostic services.

Among the additions is a modern diathermy monopolar machine that uses high-frequency electric currents to cut, coagulate or destroy tissue during surgery, significantly reducing blood loss.

The hospital also received infusion pumps, operating lights and tables, anesthesia machines, patient monitors for theatre and transit use, and a traction bed designed for orthopedic procedures.

A key highlight is a modern laparoscopic tower purchased by the county government. The mobile, integrated workstation supports minimally invasive surgeries and features high-resolution 4K UHD cameras, monitors, light sources, oxygen insufflators and suction systems that enhances precision, visualization and surgeon comfort.

In addition, the facility acquired a digital X-ray system that uses electronic detectors instead of film. The technology converts images into digital files within minutes, enabling faster diagnosis, improved image quality and reduced radiation exposure compared to conventional X-rays.

Governor Mutula noted that the high cost of medical equipment remains a major challenge for counties. He said the new acquisitions have enabled Makueni to expand operating theatres from two to four.

Hospital management reported that on busy days the X-ray unit handles between 70 and 80 patients, and the new equipment is expected to ease congestion and shorten waiting times.

Consultant general surgeon and endoscopist Dr. Alex Ombati said the upgrades will reduce referrals, allowing the hospital to manage even complex cases locally.

The equipment was procured through a collaboration between the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP) and county governments.

County Health Management Team has joined hands with agriculture department’s representatives in Wote for a two- day high-level co-creation forum aimed at charting a work plan for Helen Keller International (HKI)-supported nutrition programs.

The county is benefiting from a grant-funded consortium bringing together three global public health nonprofits, Helen Keller International, Vitamin Angels, and IDE with the shared mission of improving nutrition among underserved pregnant women, infants, and young children in Makueni.

According to the Helen Keller International team, the initiative seeks to transform lives by strengthening maternal and child health through proven nutrition interventions while reinforcing food and health systems.

The approach deliberately places women and children at the center of the county’s development agenda.

The consortium will focus on both nutrition-specific interventions such as vitamin A supplementation, deworming, breastfeeding promotion, infant and young child feeding, and screening and treatment of acute malnutrition as well as nutrition-sensitive strategies, which include boosting agricultural production, enhancing supply chains, supporting small market enterprises, and improving hygiene.

Through this partnership, Makueni hopes to create an enabling environment for scaling up multiple micronutrient supplements, increasing the number of mothers and children accessing iron and folate supplements, expanding exclusive breastfeeding coverage, and widening access to vitamin A supplementation and deworming.

The initiative also aims to ensure that households within the critical first 1,000 days of life have both physical and economic access to nutritious diets.

Speaking during the forum, Dr. Stephen Mwatha, Ag Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Services, acknowledged the county’s nutrition challenges but expressed optimism that the partnership would go a long way in addressing them.