News Categories: Health and Sanitation

Senior health officials from Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties convened in Naivasha to review progress in reproductive health and share crucial findings from the HAPPI project, a study aimed at improving health outcomes in the region.

The meeting, which focused on the dissemination of the Health Policies and Projects Initiative (HAPPI) studies in the two counties was convened by JHPIEGO, an international health organization affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, in partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Health.

During the session, the County Director for Health Dr. Christine Chebet joined other delegates to scrutinize county-specific testimonials and data from Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet, evaluating the achievements and strides made under the HAPPI project so far.

A significant portion of the discussions was dedicated to the dissemination of research findings and a digital display of revised Social and Behavior Change (SBC) materials for HPV vaccination. The new materials are designed to enhance community awareness and uptake of the HPV vaccine, which is critical in the fight against cervical cancer.

The meeting was graced by key dignitaries, including Paul Nyachae, the Country Director for JHPIEGO Kenya. Also present was Dr. Isaac Kipyego, the County Director of Health for Elgeyo Marakwet, who provided insights into his county’s collaboration with the program. The event was further bolstered by the presence of a representative deputizing for Dr. Rose Jalang’o, the head of the National Vaccines and Immunization Program (NVIP), underscoring the national importance of the HPV vaccination drive.

The collaborative forum highlighted the commitment of the two counties and their partners to leveraging data and digital innovation to strengthen health systems and expand immunization coverage.

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Nandi County Government under the visionary leadership of H.E. Governor Stephen Sang has successfully digitized 100% of its healthcare provision across the county.

This milestone was accomplished through the strategic deployment of 1,206 cutting-edge gadgets to all service points in 155 healthcare facilities. The initiative is designed to enhance service delivery, streamline operations, boost efficiency, and enable real-time management and tracking of medical commodities.

The county administration hailed the rollout as a transformative step toward modern, patient-centered healthcare. “This full digitization marks a new era for Nandi’s health sector, ensuring faster, more reliable services for our residents” Chief Officer for Health Fredrick Kiptum noted.

Special appreciation goes to the frontline medical staff for their swift embrace of the new system, as well as the Digital Health Agency (DHA) for their steadfast technical support and partnership.

Leading the charge is the Department of Health and Sanitation, under the dedicated guidance of County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health and Sanitation Dr. Angeline Kirui and Chief Officer Frederick Kiptum. Their leadership ensures that the digitization drive translates into tangible improvements in service delivery for every resident of Nandi. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to upholding and expanding Governor Sang’s enduring legacy in healthcare transformation.

Residents can now expect improved access to digital records, reduced wait times, and better resource allocation, positioning Nandi as a leader in county-level health innovation.

In a proactive effort to empower the boy child against emerging health risks, public health leaders from Nandihills Sub-County descended on Kapkwang ACK Church for a transformative mentorship session targeting young boys.

Led by Sub-County Public Health Officer (SCPHO) Alfred Bichiy, Sub-County Multisectoral Coordinator Julius Singoei, and the Sub-County Community Health Focal Person, alongside the ACK Sinendet (KAMA) Association, the team visited five primary schools: Kosoiywo Primary, Mosine Primary, St. Mathias Primary, Sinendet Primary, and Kipsamoo Primary. The initiative reached 285 boys aged 9 to 14, delivering a comprehensive three-hour program packed with vital life skills.

Key topics included defining drug substances and abuse; common examples of drugs; their harmful effects; the dangers of addiction and dependency; navigating peer pressure; the crucial roles of family and friends in prevention; safety measures and where to seek help; HIV prevention; the role of boys in HPV transmission through sexual activity; and the importance of registering for the Social Health Authority (SHA).

SCPHO Alfred Bichiy emphasized the session’s timeliness, stating, “These boys are our future leaders. Equipping them early with knowledge on drugs, reproductive health, and SHA enrollment will build resilient communities free from substance abuse and preventable diseases.”

The event, held under the church’s supportive roof, underscored the power of multisectoral partnerships in addressing boy child challenges, aligning with Nandi County’s push for holistic youth development.

Participants left inspired, with many pledging to resist peer pressure and promote healthy choices among peers. Local education and health stakeholders hailed the outreach as a model for scaling similar interventions across the sub-county.

In a significant boost to community healthcare, H.E. Governor Stephen Sang today spearheaded an inspection of a major free medical outreach, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering quality, affordable, and accessible health services across the region.

The Governor toured the Nandi Hills Hospital, the hub of a ten-day free eye clinic program conducted in partnership with Pankaj Social Services Foundation. The outreach, which runs from January 10th to 18th, is traversing all six sub-counties to screen residents for eye conditions. Those diagnosed with cataracts are referred to Nandi Hills Hospital for immediate, free surgical intervention.

To date, the initiative has achieved a notable milestone, with 75 patients having successfully undergone sight-restoring cataract surgeries.

“This partnership is a cornerstone of our strategy to strengthen the healthcare system,” stated Governor Sang during the visit. “Our mission is clear: to restore sight, uphold the dignity and well-being of our people, and directly improve their quality of life through such targeted, specialized care.”

In a groundbreaking move to ensure financial barriers do not hinder recovery, the County Government announced it will cover the mandatory Social Health Authority (SHA) payments for one year for all cataract patients treated through this program who are unable to afford the contributions.

The initiative has drawn praise from beneficiaries, including former Kapchorwa MCA, Hon. David Rotich. “I commend the County Government under the able leadership of Governor Sang for partnering with organizations like Pankaj to bring these essential services directly to the people, free of charge,” Rotich said. “This is governance in action.”

The hospital visit underscored the collaborative spirit of the program. Governor Sang was accompanied by key partners and county officials, including Pankaj Shah founder of Pankaj Social Services Foundation, County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Dr. Angeline Kirui, and local MCAs Hon. Edwin Kiprop (Nandi Hills Ward), Hon. Edwin Korir (Kapsimotwa Ward), and Hon. John Tiltai (Chepkunyuk Ward).

In a significant step toward transforming Kobujoi Health Centre into a fully fledged Level Four hospital, Nandi County officials handed over the site to the contractor on Monday. The event underscores the county government’s commitment to upgrading healthcare infrastructure, with key support from the Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation.

Present at the handover were Nandi County Secretary Dr. Francis Sang, MBS; CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Dr. Angeline Kirui; Chief Officer for Health Fredrick Kiptum; representatives from the Safaricom Foundation team; and the contractor.

The highlight of the project is the construction of a state-of-the-art Mother, Newborn, and Child Health Unit, fully funded and equipped by Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation. This new facility will include a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Obstetric Theatre, advanced laboratory, ante- and post-natal wards, kangaroo mother care rooms, and consultation spaces – creating vital infrastructure to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

The project is expected to be completed and operational within 32 weeks. “This partnership will enhance service delivery and significantly improve maternal and neonatal health indicators in our region,” stated Dr. Kirui during the event.

The County Government also expresses deep appreciation for its longstanding collaboration with Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation, which spans agriculture, education, skills training, sports, youth empowerment, the arts, and more. “We value their unwavering support and look forward to many more joint initiatives,” added Dr. Sang.

This development comes amid ongoing efforts by the county to bolster public health services, particularly in rural areas like Kobujoi, where access to specialized maternal care has long been a challenge.

The County Government of Nandi has reaffirmed its dedication to bringing quality healthcare directly to residents, as evidenced by a successful comprehensive medical camp held at Kaborok Dispensary in Terik Ward. Organized in collaboration with Beyond Zero Clinic, the outreach saw a large turnout from the community.

This initiative is a core part of the H. E Governor Stephen Sang administration’s ongoing agenda to transform the health sector and ensure essential services are accessible to all citizens.

During the camp, the county government provided a wide range of free services, including general medical consultations, eye examinations and reading glasses, dental treatment, ENT and maternal health services, directly addressing the community’s needs.

Speaking at the event, the County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Angeline Kirui, applauded the residents’ participation and confirmed that many patients were successfully treated and given necessary medications. She firmly reaffirmed the county government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening and transforming healthcare delivery across Nandi.

Echoing this commitment, Health Chief Officer Fredrick Kiptum provided essential public health guidance, encouraging patients with conditions like high blood pressure to adhere to prescriptions and utilize local health facilities for routine care – a key pillar of the county’s preventive health strategy.

The county’s efforts were met with direct appreciation from the community. Mzee Korir, a resident of Kaborok, expressed gratitude for the medical camp, noting its significant impact. He appealed for more frequent such camps across all wards, a suggestion that aligns with the county’s goal of enhancing health awareness.

Terik Ward Member of the County Assembly, Hon Eliud Maindi, highlighted the county government’s dual commitment to both infrastructure and service delivery, thanking the administration for constructing Kaborok Dispensary and selecting it for this major outreach. He described the county-built facility as a “one-stop shop” designed to eliminate long-distance travel for medical care.

The County Government of Nandi encourages residents to continue accessing services at Kaborok Dispensary as it officially opened doors today, underscoring its long-term commitment to sustainable healthcare provision for every resident.

County health services have received a significant upgrade following a major donation of critical medical equipment from the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KIDC). The donation, provided under KIDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, is set to enhance the quality of care for mothers and newborns across local facilities.

The consignment includes essential items such as CTG machines for fetal monitoring, radiant warmers, patient monitors, modern delivery beds, phototherapy machines, and sterile supplies including theatre gowns, drapes, and delivery packs.

According to county health officials, this equipment will directly contribute to safer deliveries, improve the management of preterm and high-risk newborns, and alleviate operational pressure on healthcare workers. The infusion of resources aligns with ongoing efforts to upgrade health infrastructure, improve service efficiency, and ensure timely and dignified care for all mothers and infants.

The handover was preceded by a courtesy call by the KIDC team, led by Chief Executive Officer Hellen Chepkwony, to the Deputy Governor, H.E. Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot. The meeting explored avenues for continued collaboration between the corporation and the county government.

Present during the engagement were the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Angeline Kirui, Chief Officer for Health Fred Kiptum, and Primary Health Care Coordinator Sally Kemboi.

The donation marks a pivotal step in strengthening the county’s capacity to provide lifesaving maternal and child healthcare services.

Under the visionary and dynamic leadership of H.E. Governor Stephen Sang, Nandi County has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in its healthcare sector since 2017, marking a period of significant progress that has directly impacted every home and family. The county’s commitment to health, encapsulated in the theme “Transforming Lives, One Milestone at a Time,” has yielded remarkable results across various fronts.

One of the most significant advancements is the operationalization of the Mosoriot theatre in March 2025, enabling 186 surgeries performed locally, a critical step in bringing specialized care closer to residents. Complementing this, the launch of blood transfusion services at Mosoriot has effectively ended emergency referrals, ensuring timely and life-saving interventions. The efficiency of pharmaceutical services has also seen a dramatic improvement, with the prescription fill rate climbing from 60% to 85% across the entire county facilities.

Maternal and child health has been a cornerstone of Governor Sang’s vision. Skilled deliveries have soared from a mere 36.9% to an impressive 65%, positioning Nandi as one of Kenya’s top four safest counties for childbirth. This achievement is bolstered by the construction and renovation of 16 maternity units and 28 laboratories, alongside the operationalization of facilities like Kibisem Dispensary and Kiropket Maternity. The completion of the Mother & Baby Hospital, awaiting equipping, promises further enhancement in this vital area.

In preventive health, Nandi has made strides with immunization coverage improving from 58.2% to 72.2%. A remarkable 73% of girls aged 10-14 years have been vaccinated against HPV, safeguarding future generations. The fight against malnutrition has also seen success, with underweight children reduced from 3.3% to 1.9%. The county’s response to HIV has been robust, increasing ART sites from 38 to 58 and serving 1,479 clients, contributing to a significant drop in HIV prevalence from 2.8% to 2%.

Diagnostic capabilities have been revolutionized with the installation of advanced equipment in 6 facilities and the deployment of AI X-ray machines in Kaptumo and Meteitei. This technological leap has improved disease control, with TB case identification improving from 27% to 40%.

Community health is at the heart of Nandi’s strategy, with 1,520 Community Health Promoters actively utilizing eCHIS, facilitating the referral of 8,730 chronic patients for care. The county’s commitment to universal health coverage is evident with 508,188 residents (57% of the population) registered under the Social Health Authority, placing Nandi 12th nationally.

Infrastructure expansion has been pivotal, with the total number of health facilities increasing from 120 to 155. Digitization efforts have seen the Tiberbu HMIS rolled out in 98.7% of facilities, streamlining operations. This digital transformation, coupled with efficient management, has led to a substantial increase in healthcare revenue from KSh 225M (2023/24) to KSh 313M (2024/25), with a projected KSh 450M for 2025/26.

Governor Sang’s leadership has undeniably ushered in a new era for healthcare in Nandi County, demonstrating a clear vision for a healthier, more prosperous future for its citizens.

CHEMUSWO – Hundreds of residents of Chemuswo today received a major boost to their healthcare as the Beyond Zero medical outreach program rolled into the area, offering a wide range of essential services at no cost.

The event, aimed at bridging the healthcare access gap, saw a steady stream of men, women, and children turning up at the Chemuswo Dispensary grounds to benefit from the initiative. The comprehensive medical camp provided crucial services that are often difficult for those in remote areas to access regularly.

Services offered included vaccinations for children and adults, Antenatal Care (ANC) for expectant mothers, and HIV/AIDS screening and counselling. Additionally, residents had access to general outpatient services for common ailments, nutritional assessments and advice, and psychological counselling services. A significant highlight was the provision of cancer screening, a critical service in the early detection and prevention of the disease.

Beyond Zero Clinic County Coordinator, Nancy Chepkirui, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming turnout.

“We are incredibly thankful to the residents of Chemuswo for turning up in large numbers for this event,” Ms. Chepkirui said. “The core aim of the Beyond Zero outreach programs is to take these essential health services directly to the people in far-to-reach places, where hospitals are often many kilometers away and access is a challenge.”

She emphasized that such initiatives are vital for promoting preventive healthcare and ensuring that no one is left behind in the county’s quest for better health outcomes.

The residents expressed their relief and appreciation for the free medical camp, noting that it saved them the time and cost of traveling to distant health facilities. Many highlighted the importance of having services like cancer screening and counselling brought closer to them, services they might not otherwise prioritize due to logistical and financial constraints.

Today’s outreach in Chemuswo is part of the broader Beyond Zero initiative’s continuous efforts to improve healthcare equity and bring quality medical services directly to the doorsteps of vulnerable communities across the county.

Governor Stephen Sang has initiated strategic discussions to guide the future of HIV/AIDS services within Nandi County, emphasizing a collaborative, data-driven approach to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.

The Governor convened a high-level meeting with representatives from the Henry Johnson Foundation Medical Research Institute, the national HIV/AIDS program’s implementing partner, to align on plans for the next six months. The talks were centered on a potential transition of program responsibilities, in line with recent guidance from the U.S. Government.

Key areas of discussion included the strategic transitioning of Human Resources for Health, the seamless integration of HIV services into the county’s broader healthcare delivery systems, and the critical need for continuous capacity building and training for healthcare workers across all facilities.

In his address, Governor Sang underscored that a successful transition requires a fundamental redesign of the program.

“For the HIV/AIDS program to remain effective and impactful, it must be redesigned collaboratively at both the national and county levels,” Governor Sang stated. “We cannot rely on a one-size-fits-all model. Our strategies must be informed by specific regional data and the unique needs of our people to ensure no one is left behind.”

The meeting highlighted the county’s commitment to taking greater ownership of the health initiative, focusing on creating a resilient system that is fully embedded within the existing public health infrastructure.

The high-level delegation present at the meeting signals the importance the County Government places on a smooth transition. Attendees included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot, County Secretary Dr. Francis Sang, CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Dr. Angeline Kirui, Chief Officer for Health Fredrick Kiptum, and Director for Health Dr. Christine Chebet, among other senior county officials.

The outcomes of this meeting are expected to form the basis for a detailed work plan, ensuring that the gains made in the fight against HIV/AIDS are sustained and strengthened under county leadership.