In a move that is aimed at safeguarding the welfare and productivity of its workforce, the Nyeri county government has launched a three-day medical camp for its staff.
The initiative will see county employees receive free screening for non-communicable diseases, selected cancers and mental health conditions in 15 wellness centers that have been set up across the eight sub-counties.
Speaking during the launch at the county hall, Nyeri governor, Dr Mutahi Kahiga said the camps are meant to encourage the county workforce to embrace regular medical check-ups and take care of their health.
“All these efforts we are making as a county are geared towards ensuring that our staff are healthy and are able to serve the people of Nyeri effectively without undue stress,” said Kahiga.
This is the second wellness week that the county has organised. The initiative was started in 2024 attracting the participation of 739 county employees.
This year, the wellness week is being held under the theme Your Health, Your Responsibility with the governor urging his staff to take charge of their health by getting regular check-ups and making the necessary lifestyle adjustments for those diagnosed with various conditions.
He said that the county was battling a heavy Non-Communicable Disease (NCDs) burden, noting that early detection remains key in management of lifestyle diseases.
“Over 70 per cent of premature NCD deaths are preventable through early detection and lifestyle changes. Screening is a “best buy” for health where, in some programs up to 40 per cent of diabetes and hypertension cases were first identified through workplace screenings,” he said.
And while rallying the employees to take advantage of the exercise to know their health status, the county boss also cautioned them against postponing routine medical check-ups arguing that poor health negatively impacts productivity in the workplace.
“Many of our staff work long hours under demanding conditions. In the process, routine health checks are postponed, physical activity is neglected, and stress quietly accumulates. These are the very risk factors that contribute to NCDs,” he said.
“These conditions don’t just affect the individual; they lead to absenteeism, reduce employee productivity and morale and increased healthcare costs for both the individual and the county,” added Dr Kahiga.
Nonetheless, he said that his government is committed to institutionalizing staff wellness and strengthening occupational health services within the county public service.
By Wangari Mwangi
