MILESTONES: Various specialized services that were previously only available in Nairobi can now be found in Kajiado County
All groups, including individuals currently on the “Mbuzi Moja, Afya Bora” initiative, have been included in the new programme launched on March 1
Governor Joseph ole Lenku has launched the Kajiado County Universal Health Coverage Programme, which seeks to provide affordable health for all residents.
Speaking at the KCB Grounds in Kajiado, the governor said the launch marked yet another key milestone as the county inches closer towards the realization of the goal of accessible and affordable health for all.
“For the last four years, my administration has been consistent in the commitment to ensure investments in the health sector remain a priority,” said Lenku.
The UHC programme provides a way for people to receive healthcare services without risking financial hardship. In 2018, the governor launched the “Mbuzi Moja, Afya Bora” initiative that aimed to achieve health insurance coverage for vulnerable households in the county.
All groups, including individuals currently on the “Mbuzi Moja, Afya Bora” initiative, have been included in the new programme launched on March 1.
There has been tremendous improvement in NHIF enrolment since 2018, with 122,689 subscriptions at present. The “Mbuzi Moja, Afya Bora” Initiative contributed 38,273 subscriptions, making up 31 per cent of new vulnerable households.
Over the years, the county has increased the number of health facilities from 98 in 2017 to 112 currently. A further 18 new facilities are at different levels of completion.
Various specialized services that were previously only available in Nairobi can now be found in the county, Lenku said. “For example, at the Kajiado Referral Hospital, we now have a modern MRI and CT scan, a six-bed renal unit, specialized laboratory unit, two new theatre units, a blood satellite bank, an ICU facility, and a cancer clinic unit.”
Additionally, he said, Rongai Sub County Hospital was recently upgraded to a level four hospital status with increased inpatient capacity, theatre unit, and dental services, among others.
New specialities introduced include Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), general surgery, gynaecology, mental health, nephrology, general medicine, paediatric and dental services, maxillofacial surgery, and ophthalmology.
The county government has also upgraded and expanded 42 health facilities, employed over 300 new staff , strengthened referral systems, and ensured the availability of essential supplies and medicines.
At the function, biometric registration of the identified vulnerable households was launched, which will ensure that the beneficiaries have access to both outpatient and inpatient services at the various health facilities in the county.
The occasion was also attended by the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, the Chief Executive Officer of NHIF, Dr. Peter Kamunyo, Kajiado Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho, County Assembly Speaker Johnson Osoi, and County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha.
