Suguta: The Turkana County Government has inaugurated a Level II health facility in Kakiteitei, Suguta Sub-County, at a cost of Sh9 million to improve access to essential healthcare services for residents in this hard-to-reach area. The facility was officially opened by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation Services, Dr. Esekon Joseph Epem, accompanied by the area Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Kapedo/Napeitom Ward, Willy Naliwo, and Willy Napuyo of Lokori/Lochodin Ward.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Epem emphasized the challenges Kakiteitei has faced in accessing health services due to poor road infrastructure and recurrent insecurity. He assured residents that the facility is now equipped with medicine and staff to ensure full operational capacity. To enhance emergency response, two ambulances have been allocated to serve the larger Turkana East block, including Kapedo/Napeitom and Suguta areas.
Dr. Epem highlighted the importance of SHA registration for the new staff, as most of the population remains unenrolled. With the facility now available locally, an increase in SHA registration is anticipated, which will bolster the county database. Previously, residents had to travel over 60 kilometers to access medical services or rely on periodic outreaches.
Area MCA Willy Naliwo acknowledged the longstanding challenges faced by the people of Kakiteitei, not only in healthcare but also in water, sanitation, and security services. He noted that the facility’s operational status is a significant step towards solving these issues and bringing essential services closer to the people.
Margaret Abei, the Sub-County Public Health Nurse for Kapedo/Napeitom, described the facility as a major boost for the local population, particularly for women and children who previously faced difficulties due to insecurity and long travel distances for medical services.
The new health facility is expected to significantly improve healthcare access and enhance service delivery for communities in Kakiteitei and surrounding areas. Present at the launch were County Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Agnes Mana; Director and Deputy Director for Community Health Services, Dr. Lolepo Joseph and Jonathan Longiti; Dr. Peter Ekope (County Primary Healthcare); James Lobokan (Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation); and Garryson Lotot (Community Health).
