Nairobi: More than 1,600 residents of Kapsowar Ward in Marakwet West Sub-County received free healthcare services during a medical outreach organised by the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government as part of efforts to expand access to quality preventive and promotive healthcare.
According to Kenya News Agency, the one-day medical camp, held at Kaptabuk Primary School, offered general medical consultations, screening for non-communicable diseases, dental and eye care, cervical cancer and obstetric fistula screening, physiotherapy, child welfare services, laboratory testing, pharmaceutical services, and registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Governor Wisley Rotich, speaking during the outreach, highlighted the event’s success, noting the large turnout demonstrated residents’ growing appreciation for preventive healthcare and early disease detection. He praised the health workers, Community Health Promoters, and residents for making the medical camp a success.
Rotich further stated that the county government plans to institutionalise similar outreach programmes across all 20 wards to ensure equitable access to essential healthcare services. He emphasized the goal of promoting early detection, timely treatment, and improved health outcomes for the communities through these initiatives.
The Governor also reaffirmed the county’s commitment to strengthening maternal and child healthcare through continued investment in health infrastructure and community-based interventions.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Monica Rotich stated that the outreach reflected the county government’s commitment to equitable and accessible healthcare. She explained that outreach programmes promote early diagnosis, timely treatment, and health education while supporting efforts to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases, improve reproductive health, and expand cancer screening services.
Monica Rotich encouraged residents to embrace routine health screening, noting that conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer can be effectively managed when detected early. She also urged eligible residents to register with the Social Health Authority to improve financial protection and access to specialised healthcare.
Following the medical camp, Governor Rotich commissioned the newly completed Kaptabuk Maternity Wing, equipped with modern medical equipment to enhance maternal and newborn healthcare services. He mentioned that the facility will enable mothers from Kaptabuk and surrounding areas to access quality delivery and postnatal care closer to home, reducing costs and time spent seeking such services elsewhere.
Residents welcomed both the free medical camp and the commissioning of the maternity wing, expressing that these initiatives would improve access to essential healthcare services and enhance maternal healthcare within Kapsowar Ward and neighbouring areas.
