The State Department for Children Services led a multi-agency Huduma Mashinani outreach in Kisumu West Sub-County, bringing a wide range of government and health services closer to residents in a two-day exercise held at Obambo Secondary School.
The initiative, organised under the leadership of Principal Secretary (PS), Children Services Carren Ageng’o, was graced by Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, underscoring the government’s push to decentralise services and enhance access at the grassroots.
The outreach integrated services from multiple government agencies, including civil registration, national identity card processing, marriage registration, and enrolment into the Social Health Authority (SHA), alongside a large-scale medical camp.
Speaking during the event, the Attorney General emphasised the centrality of the rule of law and the need for citizens to understand and access legal services.
“We want a country that is governed by law. It is the responsibility of the Attorney General’s office to ensure wananchi understand their rights and how to access justice. Forums like these offer that opportunity,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of formal legal processes such as marriage registration, describing them as critical in defining the relationship between citizens and the state.
“The offices we hold must mean something to our people socially, economically and politically. That is why we are bringing services closer to you,” she said, urging residents to support government programmes.
On her part PS Children Services said the Huduma Mashinani initiative reflects a deliberate government strategy to strengthen collaboration across ministries and agencies in order to deliver services efficiently.
“This programme is about taking services to the people so that no one is left behind. Through collaboration, we are able to ensure wananchi access critical services without travelling long distances,” she said.
She noted that the outreach had a strong focus on child protection and welfare, key mandates of her department.
Ageng’o announced plans to support vulnerable children, including those at Mama Ngina Children’s Home, which was recently affected by a fire incident.
“I will facilitate Social Health Authority registration for all children with disabilities in that institution to ensure they access healthcare services,” she said.
The PS also called for the establishment of a Child Protection Unit in Kisumu West and a rehabilitation centre to cater for persons living with disabilities, following concerns raised during the exercise.
According to Ageng’o, more than 800 patients were attended to during the medical camp which was part of the huduma mashinani initiative, with 260 persons living with disabilities assessed and over 200 residents benefiting from specialised eye care services through partners.
She urged residents to take advantage of government services and to remain vigilant in protecting children, citing the availability of the Child Helpline 116 for reporting cases of abuse or neglect.
Speaking during the same occasion, Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga called on residents to register for SHA, noting that Kisumu County is leading in the national rollout of the health insurance programme.
The medical camp was spearheaded by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), whose team provided a wide range of services including screening for diabetes, hypertension and cancer, treatment of common ailments, disability assessments, and referrals for specialised care.
The hospital also conducted health education sessions aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and improving community awareness.
By Chris Mahandara
