Nyeri County has entered into a new partnership with the Dorcas Rigathi Foundation to develop a model health village at Ngorano Health Centre in Mathira constituency. Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding, said the collaboration aims to expand healthcare, rehabilitation, youth empowerment, and sports services within the area. The centre is expected to host a community hospital, a rehabilitation unit, a vocational training facility, a youth polytechnic, and a sports hub—making it one of the most multi-purpose health and development complexes in the region.
The governor noted that the partnership will help streamline the use of existing county resources while enabling the foundation to implement long-term community development initiatives. He added that the integration of services at Ngorano will complement the county’s ongoing efforts to curb alcohol and drug abuse, including the recently operationalised Ihururu Rehabilitation Centre, which works alongside Karia Rehabilitation Centre. According to Kahiga, the expanded Ngorano facility will also support environmental conservation efforts, with tree-planting activities forming part of the planned programs.
Local leaders and health stakeholders have welcomed the agreement, expressing optimism that the centre will provide a lifeline to individuals struggling with addiction, mental health concerns, and limited access to medical care. Governor Kahiga emphasized that creating safe rehabilitation spaces is key to rebuilding the lives of young people affected by rising social challenges. With construction and program development set to begin under the joint framework, the county expects the health village to become a model of integrated community services and a major boost to Nyeri’s social and health development agenda.