News Categories: Health and Sanitation

The construction of the New Mother and Child Hospital Complex in Kapsabet Ward, Emgwen Sub County, has entered its final finishing phase of construction.

Earlier today, H. E Governor Stephen Sang checked on the progress of the completion works of the new building at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital.

“We have also started the procurement process for phased supply of hospital equipment for this new facility,” said Governor Sang.

The Governor said the aim of the inspection was to ascertain and review the progress of work achieved thus far.

He was conducted round by the site engineer, who briefed him on the project’s status.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at site and the quality of job executed, while assuring that ongoing projects would be completed in record time.

Also present were the CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech, Chief Officer Fredrick Kiptum, Kapsabet County Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Tanui, engineers among other officials.

The core principle driving the goal of universal health coverage is to ensure that all individuals have access to comprehensive, high-quality health services that are affordable and easily accessible. The collective efforts by the County Government of Nandi and industry players is helping in taking accelerated steps to achieve these goals. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) represent new avenues of financing and operating for healthcare projects, thereby alleviating the strain on public funds.

As a response, Karebe Gold Mining Company in Chemelil/Chemase Ward in Tindiret Sub County is embracing the PPP model which has seen the company construct a new hospital facility at Kibisem Dispensary.

Yesterday, the CEC Member for Health and Sanitation hosted officials from Karebe Gold Mining Company. The discussions revolved around strengthening partnership with the company and the handover of the facility to the county government.

Emmy Cheruiyot – Karebe HR/Liaison Officer

Constructing resilient healthcare systems necessitates collaborative endeavours from both the public and private sectors.

David Sum – Karebe

The Karebe PPP model enables the private sector to bring independent and in-house domain experts to develop successful organisations, by properly utilising insights, skills and technology which can is crucial in rehabilitating the healthcare infrastructure.

Present at the meeting were Emmy Cheruiyot – HR & Liaisons Officer – Karebe Gold Mine, David Sum – Karebe Gold Mine, Henry Muge – CBA Chairperson – Karebe Gold Mine, Nicholas Bittok – ChairpersonChairperson – Kibisem Dispensary and Jane Tanui Committee Member Kibisem Dispensary.

The County Government of Nandi strives to ensure adequate budget allocation to the Department of Health and Sanitation. However, in the wake of limited fiscal space, we are working to prioritize initiatives that promote wellness and disease prevention, aiming to reduce healthcare costs and ensure sufficient staffing at health facilities. Additionally, we are investing in local health facilities to discourage bypassing community-level centers, thereby easing congestion at higher-level facilities.

The Deputy Governor H.E Dr Yulita Cheruiyot today presided over the launch of the Nandi County Health Sector Financing and Oversight of Health Funds Report in Chepkemel, Tindiret Ward. This collaborative effort involving the County Government of Nandi, Christian Aid-Kenya and National Taxpayers Association focuses on analyzing health sector financing and budget oversight. The initiative aims to empower communities in Nandi County to actively engage in managing health resources, promoting transparency, accountability, and an inclusive approach to health financing.

The event was attended by the CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech, Tindiret Ward MCA Hon. Paul Birech, Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Fredrick Kiptum, National Taxpayers Association County Coordinator Irine Otieno, Christian Aid-Kenya representative Bob Kikuyu and other distinguished guests.

Collaboration and involving stakeholders are very important for making sure that health policies are carried out well. This is because it makes sure that different points of views are taken into account and that solutions are made to fit the needs of all stakeholders.

PS Mary Muthoni

Earlier today, the Ministry of Health (MoH) convened an inception meeting to develop Kenya’s Human Resources for Health Policy.

The purpose of the meeting was to seek stakeholders input, build consensus and develop a road map for a National Human Resources for Health (HRH) Policy.

Ruth Koech, CECM Health & Sanitation

In her opening statement, the Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni highlighted the policy’s goal to streamline the health workforce across demand, production, supply, and utilization. It aims to project current and future HRH needs, aligning with population requirements to ensure a skilled, well-distributed, and motivated workforce for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

She said the meeting served as an opportunity for stakeholders to make inputs into the documents which will inform & advise the Ministry in addressing HRH challenges.

The meeting was attended by the CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech who’s also the Vice Chairperson Health CECMs Caucus, stakeholders from the Ministry of Labour, Council of Governors, Public Service Commission, Commission for University Education, health regulators, and development partners.

The discussions were held in plenary sessions and thematic groups to deliberate on and seek consensus on the proposed policy areas and draft documents. The policy areas for discussion focused on, inter alia: governance for HRH, production and management of HRH, Partnership, advocacy and resource mobilization. Outcome of the meeting will foster agreement on the policy direction and strategies for HRH development and management.

Other areas were; use of data for decision making from training , internship, practice of healthcare workers, Telemedicine, Finance and appropriate budgeting, service delivery for a dynamic health need changes. Longer life expectancy, NCDs new technology and modern practice of medicine.

Looking into the future, there’s need for a competitive workforce that is globally competent and sustainable, an all inclusive HRH in all cadres, proper regulation standards and quality of care delivery.

Welfare support for staff, policy that has a Multisectral approach to reduce in efficiency and duplication, address mistmatched training verses county needsand quality of training to meet global trends.

The CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech has pleaded with parents to ensure their children were vaccinated regularly.

“Vaccine refusal endangers everyone, not just the unvaccinated children. Thus, you must prioritise the health and wellbeing of your kids by taking them to the nearest clinic or healthcare provider to ensure that are up-to-date with vaccination,” she said.

She was speaking during an unscheduled visit to Biribiriet, Lelmokwo, Sigot, SDA Kaikat, Cheptil, Kabiemit dispesaries and Chepterwai Nyayo Hospital.

Children below the age of five years are particularly vulnerable to diseases as their immunity is not yet fully developed to fight infections.

The CEC Member also called on parents to accompany their sick children to hospital who are seeking medication. “Parents should take responsibility and accompany their young children while seeking medication. They should be there to give consent and know what’s ailing their children,” she noted.

Cancer patients in Nandi are getting a supporting hand with the launch of Nandi Cancer Survivors Support Group at an event presided over by H. E the Deputy Governor Dr Yulita Cheruiyot.

The Cancer Survivors Support Group was formed by a group of 120 cancer survivors in the county with the support from the County Department of Health through the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital Oncology Unit.

The support group will serve as a welcoming space for cancer patients and survivors in the county, enabling them to engage in a close-knit community, where individuals share their personal experiences.

According to the group, cancer patients and survivors often face cognitive and emotional decline. They experience lack of attention, slow processing speed, memory dysfunctions, loneliness, anxiety and distress among other things. These deficits have a substantial impact on their well-being and quality of life.

The support group will be a platform that will provide patients and survivors with the opportunity to get moral support from people who are actually going through the same situation, or people who have great knowledge and experience in providing emotional and psychological support.

This group aims to instil persistence and hope in breast cancer patients, while providing them with all types of assistance needed. Group members will be able to set and edit goals as a means of coping with their difficulties.

The aim of the group is to educate its patients. The support group will correct misconceptions and myths about cancer and cancer-related treatments that could cause confusion. It acts as a hub for fact-checking, demystifying incorrect messages, and explaining the truth.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Dr Yulita Cheruiyot said “As a county government, we are committed to enhancing access to cancer screenings and treatments for our residents. While we strive to bring these services closer, we also encourage our residents to utilize the oncology center at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital for comprehensive care and specialized treatment options.”

“Together, we celebrate life, inspire hope, and reaffirm that no one has to face cancer alone,” she added.

Stressing on the importance of the Cancer Support Group, the CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech said, “Cancer diagnosis and treatment is an overwhelming process for the patients and their loved ones. The treatment of cancer is a journey right from the diagnosis to treatment and even after survival. Hence, this cancer support group is extremely helpful for patients to get motivated and inspired every step of the way. With this support group, we aim to combat cancer jointly by encouraging the patient and their families, and friends to be courageous and positive during the treatment process. At Kapsabet Oncology, we are committed to offering best clinical expertise, and service excellence for our patients in the County.”

Present at the event were the head Kapsabet Oncology Unit Patrick Kenei, Cancer Survivors and patients, among other senior department of health officials.

The 21st Health Sector Intergovernmental Consultative Forum was held at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi.

Presiding over the Forum, Principal Secretary State Department for Public Health & Professional Standards Mary Muthoni emphasized the forum’s importance in fostering collaboration and communication across different government levels and with partners.

The forum brought together stakeholders from National and County Health Departments, development partners, implementation partners, and the private sector to address key health sector challenges.

Speaking during the forum, the Acting Chairperson for Health CECMs caucus Ruth Koech noted that the forum presented a significant step towards achieving UHC, ensuring equitable and accessible health services across the country.

“Let us leverage this moment of unparalleled opportunity to forge a moreintegrated, responsive, and equitable health system. By addressing these critical issuescollaboratively, we can transform our healthcare landscape for the better,” said Ruth.

Key topics discussed included intergovernmental health issues, sharing best practices in health service delivery, and providing updates on Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Discussions focused on policy alignment and innovative health solutions to enhance nationwide health services.

Community health services, among other primary health care (PHC) services, are the fastest way to achieve universal health coverage (UHC).

And since CHPs typically reside in the community they serve, they have the unique ability to bring information where it is needed most. They can reach community residents where they live, eat, play, work, and worship. CHPs are frontline agents of change, helping to reduce health disparities in underserved communities.

It is against this backdrop that, the County Government of Nandi with support from Amref Health Africa has implemented transformational initiatives to enhance the quality of community health services dubbed Afya Nyumbani.

The services, delivered by CHPs, ensure that every citizen receives quality healthcare, particularly those in remote and underserved areas. And true to their work, CHPs are powering Afya Nyumbani in Nandi County!

To support this transformational change, 279 CHPs are undergoing a 10 days training that begun on June 11,2024 in nine training sites including Sterling Hotel in Kapsabet, AIC Kapkeruge in Kilibwoni Ward, PAG Kaptumo Church, Orthodox Serem Church, Kabiyet Social Hall, Big Fries Hotel in Mosoriot, 2 sites at Tea Planters Inn in Nandi Hills and AIC Lelgotet Church in Tinderet Sub County.

The training seeks to empower the CHPs with basic knowledge, skills and competencies in healthcare services and enable them function effectively in the community.

While addressing the CHPs in Nandi Hills, the CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech noted that the role of CHPs extends beyond prevention since it includes early detection and referral to higher-level health facilities when necessary adding that they play a crucial part in addressing health inequalities by bringing essential health services closer to the people, especially those in rural and informal areas.

She underscored the importance of primary healthcare as vital for achieving Universal Health Coverage saying that the county government of Nandi is putting more emphasis on preventive rather than curative care, which she observed was unaffordable for many households.

Closer integration of HIV and other relevant health services has the potential to increase the reach and uptake of services, enhance efficiency, be cost-effective, make services more people-centred and improve their quality. Integrated services can better satisfy the intersecting health care needs of people than traditional, separated delivery models.

The County Government of Nandi seeks to integrate its healthcare services to include HIV care. This was revealed during the HIV Service Delivery Integration Summit that opened Tuesday in Mombasa with a focus on strengthening Kenya’s response to HIV/AIDS through enhanced collaboration and innovative strategies.

The summit, attended by CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech, County Director for Health Dr David Bungei and the CASCO Coordinator Richard Bwaley and brought together professionals and policymakers, aims to align Kenya’s HIV response with broader healthcare reforms, including Universal Health CoverageCoverage was presided over by the Health CS Susan Nakhumicha.

The county integration domains or levels begun with the absorption of program staff into the county payroll.

Systems linkages to establish unified support systems that facilitate and enable delivery of integrated services. Linked systems include health worker education and training, procurement and supply chain management, pharmacy and laboratory services, health management information and client management systems, and integrated budgeting. This can enhance coordination and support more streamlined and efficient services.

Service integration that range from linking certain services or adding them to specialized platforms, to fully integrating services in one location (one-stop shops).

Multifacility integration to involve networking health facilities and other service providers so that people with chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, can conveniently access specialist care.

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, visited the county to assess the progress of the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) program.

So far, the CHPs in Nandi have registered 116,767 households translating to a population of 440,419. They have assessed 24,500 people for diabetes and referred 397 for further management. A further 16,900 have been assessed for hypertension and 1,110 have been referred.

Currently, a total of 279 CHPs are undergoing a 10 days training to enhance their knowledge and skills that meet the healthcare needs of the Nandi residents.

Speaking to CHPs at their training site at AIC Kapkeruge in Kilibwoni Ward, Emgwen Sub County, PS Muthoni said that the government is committed to empowering our Community Health Promoters with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure they can provide high-quality healthcare at the grassroots level.

“Our goal is to create a robust network of well-trained health workers who can meet the healthcare needs of every community,” she noted.

Through this initiative, the ministry aims to empower CHPs to provide better healthcare access and improve overall health outcomes at the grassroots level. “By building this network, we are ensuring that quality healthcare services reach every corner of the country,” Muthoni emphasized.

This program is a testament to our dedication to improving the health and well-being of all our citizens.

The visit highlighted the significant strides being made in the CHPs program and underscored the ministry’s ongoing efforts to bolster community health services nationwide.

Present at the event were the CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech, Chief Officer for Health Fredrick Kiptum among other senior ministry of health officials.