By A, KNA
Kiambu National Polytechnic conducted a three-day health promotion week last week, dubbed “Your Health, Our Future,” aimed at improving access to essential health services for students and staff.
The initiative was facilitated by Kiambu Level 5 Hospital in partnership with several organizations, including Elewa Ulevi, NACADA, Baus Optical, Elevate, Equity Afia, Scandi Care, Care Tec Medical, YMCA, KK Optics, ICW, and Aga Khan Hospital.
Health check-up activities took place at the institution’s extensive grounds, where free medical services such as dental check-ups, optical screening, and general health consultations were offered to students and staff.
The health promotion activities coincided with World Cancer Day on 4 February, during which participants received cervical, breast, and prostate cancer screenings. During the exercise, one female student tested positive for cancer. The disease was detected at an early stage, after which she received counseling and was referred to Kiambu Level 5 Hospital for immediate treatment.
Mental health awareness was also a key focus of the three-day event. Care Tec Medical led sensitization sessions on mental health and rehabilitation, using interactive games to engage the youth.
According to Care Tec representative, Mary Muthoni, the approach helped stimulate emotions, enabling participants to better understand and remember the mental health messages being delivered.
“More often than not, people view rehabilitation centers as places meant for people who are ‘crazy’. We are here to break that stigma and communicate mental health in a language that the youth can understand,” Muthoni said.
The sessions focused on helping students understand the difference between stress and depression, responsible alcohol use versus abuse and addiction, as well as healthy coping mechanisms for day-to-day challenges.
Counseling services were also provided, whereby one of the major concerns highlighted during the sessions was the rising number of suicide cases among young people.
“Social media has made depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses appear fashionable, which makes addressing the issue more challenging,” Muthoni added.
Sexual and reproductive health education was also featured during the health week. King of Condoms created awareness on HIV prevention, promoted safer sex practices, and distributed condoms while educating participants on their correct use.
Condoms were highlighted as a key tool in preventing unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
“In 2025, young people aged between 15 and 24 years will continue to record new HIV infections every day,” said Stanley Ngara, a representative from the organization.
The institution’s peer counseling group also played an active role during the Health Promotion Week.
The group’s chairperson, Brian Ndungu, said the initiative provided a safe platform for students to share their challenges without fear of judgment.
“These services are helping many students who would otherwise not be able to access them,” Ndungu said.
He noted that mental health awareness should particularly target male students, who often perceive sharing personal challenges as a sign of weakness. The peer counseling group operates under strict confidentiality to prevent stigma and to ensure a safe space for students to discuss their issues openly.
The Health Promotion Week was widely welcomed by students and staff, with organizers expressing hope that the initiative would contribute to improved health awareness, early detection of illnesses, and better access to healthcare services within the institution.
End/Health/Mwangi
Photo Captions Ivy Chege
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A group photo of the members of the Kiambu National Polytechnic, Kiambu, 5 February 2026 – Ivy Chege
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A picture of Stanley Ngara and Agnes Okada talking about safe use of condoms, Kiambu 5 February, 2026 – Ivy Chege
