Nicosia: The Makueni County Government has launched a significant initiative to bolster community healthcare by distributing 385 bicycles to Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and implementing free ambulance services to enhance healthcare access across the county. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. initiated the distribution at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote, marking a Sh6 million investment aimed at improving CHPs’ mobility, allowing them to reach more households and deliver essential health services more effectively.
According to Kenya News Agency, the bicycles were allocated to five wards, with Ivingoni/Nzambani receiving 239, Kikumbulyu South and Kikumbulyu North receiving 49 each, and Masongaleni and Thange receiving 24 bicycles each. Governor Mutula stated that this initiative was a response to the transport challenges CHPs faced, as identified by residents during public participation forums in the previous financial year.
Governor Mutula emphasized the crucial role CHPs play as the first point of contact for patients in remote areas, where they often travel long distances while carrying medical kits weighing up to 20 kilogrammes. ‘The work these Community Health Promoters do is enormous. These bicycles will ease their burden and improve service delivery,’ he said.
The initiative aims to enhance CHPs’ ability to meet their monthly target of visiting at least 33 households and improve disease surveillance, maternal and child healthcare, health education, and patient follow-up. The Governor urged the remaining 26 wards to prioritize bicycle purchases in the next budget cycle to ensure all CHPs benefit.
Additionally, the county government, in collaboration with a development partner, plans to procure 1,000 more bicycles this financial year to further strengthen community health services. During the event, the Governor also launched free ambulance services for patients referred by clinicians or requiring emergency medical attention within and outside the county.
The free ambulance programme, operational since July 1, 2026, has already transported 265 patients to health facilities for specialized treatment. Makueni currently operates 10 ambulances, with plans to acquire more ambulances and a fire engine. The county has partnered with the Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF) to install an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system in ambulances to improve emergency response efficiency.
‘We are modernizing our ambulance services through our partnership with the Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation, which will also train our medics and ambulance operators to strengthen emergency healthcare,’ said Mutula. County Executive Committee Member for Health Joyce Mutua highlighted that the bicycles would increase CHPs’ coverage and efficiency, urging beneficiaries to maintain the bicycles as public assets.
Makueni County Assembly Clerk Kevin Mutuku praised healthcare workers for their dedication to delivering services across the county. He also defended the county’s Mutula Care health insurance programme, stating it had enabled many vulnerable residents to access affordable healthcare.
Governor Mutula was accompanied by local MCAs, including Kikumbulyu North MCA Jackson Mbalu, Kikumbulyu South MCA Jades Kalunda, Mavindini MCA Japheth Kimongo, and nominated MCAs Elizabeth Muthike and Sarah Mbilo.
