The government has rolled out a community-centred Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and environmental sanitation programme aimed at strengthening health promotion and disease prevention across the country.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni said the initiative places communities at the heart of Kenya’s public health strategy, recognising their critical role in achieving sustainable health outcomes.
Speaking during an engagement in Kiambu County, the PS noted that the national and county governments are working closely to improve public health through preventive approaches that prioritise sanitation, hygiene and environmental stewardship.
“Empowering communities is key to preventing disease and reducing the burden on healthcare facilities,” said Ms Muthoni, adding that clean and healthy environments play a major role in saving lives.
She underscored the importance of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), describing them as the backbone of the UHC programme. The CHPs move from household to household providing health education, promoting personal and environmental hygiene, and advocating for safe water and sanitation practices.
Ms Muthoni explained that the programme seeks to reduce sanitation-related diseases through sustainable sanitation systems, responsible waste management and improved environmental practices at the community level.
She said the initiative is fully aligned with the Kenya Environmental Sanitation and Hygiene Policy 2016–2030 and anchored in Article 42 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to a clean and healthy environment.
The PS noted that the government is prioritising the implementation of existing policies rather than developing new ones, adding that any identified gaps will be addressed to ensure effective service delivery.
Kiambu County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr Elias Maina said sanitation-related conditions account for more than 70 per cent of reported ailments, highlighting the urgent need for stronger collaboration between national and county governments.
Dr Maina explained that while the national government provides policy direction and capacity building, county governments are responsible for implementation at the grassroots.
During the engagement, leaders also raised concern over the disposal of industrial waste into rivers and the rising challenge of alcohol, drug and substance abuse, noting that coordinated interventions are underway to protect public health.
Residents of Kiambu County were urged to maintain clean surroundings and embrace preventive health measures, including access to clean water, proper nutrition and utilisation of healthcare services, as part of a holistic approach to improving community health.
By Duncan Sikoyo
