The Mandera County Government has operationalized five new health facilities and upgraded eight existing dispensaries to health centre status.

The move, officially published in the Kenya Gazette, is aimed at enhancing access to healthcare, especially in remote and underserved areas of the county.

According to the County Department of Health Services, the newly opened facilities are located in Burashum (Derkale Ward), Andarak and Merille (Banisa Ward), Tuli (Elwak South Ward), and Jabi (Rhamu Ward).

These dispensaries are now fully functional and are expected to cater to the basic healthcare needs of surrounding communities, many of whom have previously had to travel long distances to access medical services.

In addition to the new facilities, eight dispensaries across the county have been upgraded to full health centres.

These include Qarsahama (Dandu Ward), Sake (Gither Ward), Elele (Wargadud Ward), Qalanqalesa (Shimbir Fatuma Ward), Dawder (Elwak South Ward), Kalicha (Rhamu Dimtu Ward), Darwed (Lagsure Ward), and Didkuro (Takaba South Ward).

The upgrade allows these centres to offer an expanded range of services, including minor surgeries, maternal care, and laboratory diagnostics.

The County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Mumtaza B. Musa, signed off the gazette notice.

In the statement, the county emphasized its commitment to decentralizing healthcare and bringing services closer to the people, particularly in the arid and semi-arid areas of Mandera.

“These facilities will significantly reduce the burden of travel and long queues for residents seeking basic and specialized medical care,” said the devolved unit.

Fatuma Ibrahim, a Community Health Volunteer in Elwak South Ward said this is a huge relief for mothers and children in our area.

“Before, we had to refer many patients to far-off facilities. With Tuli and Dawder now operational and upgraded, we can handle more cases locally and save lives,” said Fatuma.

Hussein Adow, a resident of Banisa said the community waited for years to see meaningful investment in our local health facilities.

“The opening of Andarak and Merille dispensaries shows that the county government is listening to the needs of our people,” he said.

Halima Noor, an Expectant Mother in Rhamu said travelling to Mandera town while pregnant was expensive and risky.

“Now that Jabi Dispensary is open, I can go for check-ups right here at home. It’s a blessing for women like me,” she said.