The Ministry of Health has launched the Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani initiative in Kericho County, a key step toward strengthening preventive healthcare, improving environmental sanitation, and promoting hygiene at the household level.
The activation ceremony at Moi Gardens in Kericho Town was presided over by Acting Director of Public Health and Sanitation, Dr Grace Ikahu Muchangi, who represented Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary M. Muriuki. In her speech, she emphasised the government’s commitment to building a healthier nation through prevention and community action.
Dr Muriuki noted that Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is not only about expanding treatment services but also about preventing diseases before they occur. The government has prioritized community-centred care through the Afya Nyumbani programme, which delivers essential preventive and promotive health services directly to households across the country.
“Kenya’s UHC journey is not only about expanding treatment services; it is equally about preventing disease before it occurs, and that is why the government has prioritised community-centred care to ensure services reach households directly,” she said.
She highlighted that over 100,000 Community Health Promoters currently serve 9,100 Community Health Units, supporting 315 Primary Care Networks nationwide. This effort strengthens primary healthcare systems and empowers communities to take charge of their health.
Dr Muriuki commended Kericho County for improving access to safe water, with rural coverage increasing from 31 percent to 37.7 percent and urban coverage rising from 62 percent to 66 percent during the 2018–2022 CIDP period. She applauded the county government for targeting environmental health, water and sanitation coverage of 95 percent by 2027, emphasising that such investments are vital in reducing preventable diseases and improving residents’ well-being.
However, she noted that emerging public health challenges, including alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse among youth, require sustained preventive interventions. The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey indicates that tobacco use in Kericho stands at 5.1 per cent, relatively low compared to other counties.
Dr Muriuki also highlighted the rising burden of chronic kidney disease and other non-communicable diseases, underscoring the need for continuous lifestyle and behavioural change programmes at the community and household levels.
“Today, Kericho becomes the 13th county to implement the Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani initiative, demonstrating the government’s resolve to scale up preventive health programmes nationwide,” she said.
The initiative aligns with the Kenya Environmental Sanitation and Hygiene Policy 2016–2030 and Article 42 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to a clean and healthy environment. It adopts a comprehensive approach, including community clean-up campaigns, proper waste management, promotion of safe hygiene practices, environmental conservation including tree planting, and strengthened local leadership to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
Kericho East Deputy County Commissioner Dr Kibe Maguta urged residents to embrace the initiative, emphasizing that a healthy population is a productive population. Also present were Kericho County Chief Officer for Health Services, Dr Japheth Cheruiyot, and County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr. David Ekuwam.
By Kibe Mburu
