Murang’a: Nurses in Murang’a County marked this year’s Nurses Week Thursday in a series of events held at Maranjau Prisons, aimed at improving community welfare, promoting education for girls, and supporting environmental conservation. Speaking during the celebrations, Murang’a County Nursing Officer Salome Kimani said the week-long event provided an opportunity for nurses to reflect on their role in society beyond hospital settings and renew their commitment to serving communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kimani noted that nurses play a critical role not only in providing healthcare services but also in addressing social challenges that affect the wellbeing of communities. She emphasized the importance of educating and empowering the girl-child, highlighting that investing in girls’ education contributes greatly to the development of healthier and stronger communities. Educated girls, she observed, are more likely to make informed health decisions, support their families, and contribute positively to economic and social development.
The county nursing officer reiterated that the empowerment of the girl child remains an important pillar in building resilient communities. Kimani encouraged nurses in the area to take advantage of international opportunities available through partnerships with various organizations, which can provide access to global career opportunities, professional training, and exposure that can improve service delivery both locally and internationally.
During the event at Maranjau Prison, nurses interacted with inmates and participated in tree-planting activities as part of efforts to promote environmental conservation. The exercise was intended to support environmental conservation efforts and contribute to Murang’a County’s vision of increasing forest cover and promoting a greener environment. Kimani explained that environmental conservation is closely linked to public health, noting that clean and healthy environments help reduce diseases and improve the quality of life for communities.
She praised the nurses for demonstrating compassion and commitment through their outreach activities, stating that the profession requires not only medical expertise but also humanity and social responsibility. The celebrations also highlighted the growing role of nurses in community-based healthcare programs, mental health support, preventive healthcare, and public health awareness campaigns.
Prison staff who witnessed the activities commended the nurses for extending their services beyond healthcare facilities and engaging directly with communities. Kimani reiterated that nurses remain at the heart of healthcare delivery and called on stakeholders to continue supporting the profession through better working environments, training opportunities, and investments in the health sector.
She concluded by stating that the Nurses Week celebrations reflected the dedication of Murang’a nurses in promoting quality healthcare services while also championing education, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. Kimani emphasized, ‘As nurses, our duty goes beyond treating patients in hospitals. We are also part of the community, and we have a responsibility to contribute towards building a healthier and better society.’
Source: Kenya News Agency
