Nyandarua County will enrol Mau Mau veterans on NHIF: Francis Kimemia

Nyandarua County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti and Governor Francis Kimemia during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Njambini Stadium, Kinangop constituency, on October 20, 2017. PHOTO | WAIKWA MAINA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mau Mau veterans fought for Kenya's Independence.
  • Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia said those who still have bullets lodged in their bodies will be treated.

Mau Mau veterans in Nyandarua County are set to receive free medical care.

Governor Francis Kimemia said they would be enrolled on the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) scheme free of charge.

MASHUJAA DAY

He spoke on Friday at Rurinja Stadium in Njabini during the Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Mr Kimemia said many freedom fighters are wallowing poverty and cannot afford healthcare.

“This is the home town of one of the most profound heroines of Kenya, Mrs Mukami Kimathi. I applaud these heroes whose invaluable sacrifices have made us what we are,” he said.  

Nyandarua was at the epicentre of the war between indigenous forces of liberation and the colonial government. 

“I intend to support Mau Mau heroes who still have bullets lodged in their bodies. We will assist them to get treated as quickly as possible. I wish also pursue their meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta immediately he has been sworn in,” Mr Kimemia said.

MAU MAU

“We will place all Mau Mau heroes aged over 80 years for free on the National Hospital Insurance Fund system and ensure they all get their ‘Pesa ya Wazee’.”

The County Government also intends to rehabilitate the Mau Mau caves across Nyandarua and gazette them.

“I am encouraging creation of hotels along the Aberdares to host tourism. We are inviting environmentalists to conserve the Kinangop and Lake Ol Bollosat rare birds and its unique eco-system,” Mr Kimemia said. 

The County Government is supporting high altitude training centres of excellence along the scenic Aberdares up to Lake Ol Bollosat.

INVEST

The celebration was not short of politics.

“Join me in thanking the Head of State for [me] becoming governor so that all projects are implemented. We are pursuing the tarmacking of the roads from Njabini to Murang’a and from Ndunyu-Njeru to Nyeri as part of the 425 kilometres of tarmac infrastructure he recently gave us,” Mr Kimemia said.

He also revealed that investors from Portugal are keen to support the initiative alongside the national and county governments.