More than 1,600 residents of Kapsowar Ward in Marakwet West Sub-County received free healthcare services during a medical outreach organised by the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government as part of efforts to expand access to quality preventive and promotive healthcare.
The one-day medical camp, held at Kaptabuk Primary School, offered general medical consultations, screening for non-communicable diseases, dental and eye care, cervical cancer and obstetric fistula screening, physiotherapy, child welfare services, laboratory testing, pharmaceutical services and registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking during the outreach, Governor Wisley Rotich said the large turnout demonstrated residents’ growing appreciation of preventive healthcare and early disease detection.
“Today’s turnout demonstrates the growing appreciation among our residents that preventive healthcare and early diagnosis are critical in reducing the burden of disease. I commend our health workers, Community Health Promoters and every resident who participated in making this medical camp a success,” said the Governor.
Rotich said the county government plans to institutionalise similar outreach programmes across all 20 wards to ensure equitable access to essential healthcare services.
“Our goal is to ensure every ward benefits from regular medical outreach programmes that bring essential health services closer to the people. Through these initiatives, we are promoting early detection, timely treatment and improved health outcomes for our communities,” he added.
The Governor reaffirmed the county’s commitment to strengthening maternal and child healthcare through continued investment in health infrastructure and community-based interventions.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Monica Rotich said the outreach reflected the county government’s commitment to equitable and accessible healthcare.
She said outreach programmes promote early diagnosis, timely treatment and health education while supporting the county’s efforts to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases, improve reproductive health and expand cancer screening services.
Monica Rotich urged residents to embrace routine health screening, noting that conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cervical cancer can be effectively managed when detected early. She also encouraged eligible residents to register with the Social Health Authority to improve financial protection and access to specialised healthcare.
After the medical camp, Governor Rotich commissioned the newly completed Kaptabuk Maternity Wing, equipped with modern medical equipment to improve maternal and newborn healthcare services.
He said the facility will enable mothers from Kaptabuk, Matira, Kapsumai, Sangurur, Katkok and Tuyobei to access quality delivery and postnatal care closer to home, reducing the cost and time previously spent seeking such services elsewhere.
Residents welcomed both the free medical camp and the commissioning of the maternity wing, saying the initiatives would improve access to essential healthcare services and enhance maternal healthcare within Kapsowar Ward and neighbouring areas.
By Rennish Okong’o
