Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has received medical equipment from the Annick for Kenya Community-Based Organisation (CBO) at the Kwale Referral Hospital in Matuga Sub County.
Governor Achani said that from the beginning of her administration in August 2022, she has prioritised health and that she was pleased to be associated with Annick for Kenya, who had made the donation possible.
The Governor received 30 state-of-the-art recliner hospital beds, 11 wheelchairs, and 5 walking aids, noting that the donation would greatly enhance patient care and ease pressure on healthcare workers.
Achani, who was accompanied by her Deputy Chirema Kombo and County Health Executive Francis Gwama, said she was highly impressed and thanked the donor for providing essential medical equipment to the people of Kwale.
She explained that the gesture was to support and improve healthcare service delivery in Kwale in line with her administration’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system.
“We are grateful for this generous donation. These beds and mobility aids will not only enhance patient comfort but also enable our medical teams to deliver more efficient and compassionate care, especially in critical units,” she said, adding that the equipment was intended to enhance healthcare delivery.
The coastal county boss has said that the 30 recliner beds would be allocated to high-need wards, including maternity and outpatient care, while the wheelchairs and walking aids would support mobility for patients with physical challenges.
Annick for Kenya is a CBO operating in Kwale County, focused on enhancing the quality of life for local communities.
“We extend our gratitude to Mr. Eddy Van Uytsel, the Annick for Kenya CEO for the continuous support in various county projects aiming at improving the quality of life for communities in Kwale on matters of health, education and water,” she said.
The CBO is known for their work in environmental conservation, supporting healthcare initiatives, and partnering with the Kenya Red Cross Society.
Achani said the devolved government is strongly focusing on improving the health sector by undertaking initiatives like upgrading primary health centres and investing in healthcare infrastructure.
She said infrastructure-wise, the county has, since the inception of devolution in 2013 constructed and equipped at least 178 health facilities and hired 1,800 health workers across the county in a bid to enhance healthcare services.
Kwale County Red Cross Society Coordinator Mohammed Mwahenzi, who represented Annick for Kenya, reaffirmed the CBO’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities through sustainable and life-changing initiatives.
“This is not just a donation but a statement of commitment to human dignity. I thank Annick for Kenya for standing with our people,” he said.
He said the donation marks another chapter in the continuous collaboration between Kwale County and Annick for Kenya, which has in the past supported clean water projects and education initiatives across various sub-counties.
Mwahenzi said the donation formed part of the Annick Kenya CBO’s continued outreach to communities with limited access to healthcare infrastructure and equipment.
By Hussein Abdullahi
