Mombasa County is offering free medical services throughout the month of October 2026 across all public health facilities under the ‘BabaCare’ initiative, also known as ‘’Mwezi wa Baba’.
The initiative by the coastal county is to honour the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by providing accessible, dignity-driven healthcare without out-of-pocket costs.
The former premier passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 in Kerala, India, due to cardiac arrest.
Last week thousands of Kenyans gathered at Migwena grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Raila Odinga, with music, dance and tributes marking the occasion.
Mombasa County’s department of health services is urging residents across the six sub-counties of Changamwe, Jomvu, Kisauni, Likoni, Mvita and Nyali to take advantage of the initiative by visiting the nearest public health facilities.
The county government’s initiative is designed to improve access to healthcare, particularly for residents who cannot afford essential medical services.
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir says during ‘Mwezi wa Baba’ the devolved unit will continue to honour Raila’s legacy through service to the people, particularly for those who are unable to afford consultation fees.
He says public health facilities are conducting free medical checkups, including cervical cancer screenings and breast examinations, for residents across the coastal city.
Nassir says health remains a top priority for his administration and further issued a hotline number, 1599, for residents to dial in case of any challenges to reach him directly at his office.
He said more patients are accessing quality healthcare through the BabaCare programme, and the impact is being felt every day.
“From the casualty departments and outpatient clinics to specialised clinics, diagnostic services, inpatient care, and SHA-supported service points, beneficiaries continue to receive the medical attention they need without the stress of overwhelming healthcare costs,” he said.
He said the growing number of patients seeking care, coupled with inspiring testimonials from beneficiaries, highlights the difference accessible healthcare can make, noting that for many, having their medical bills covered has brought relief, hope, and peace of mind.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring that every patient receives timely, compassionate, and dignified care, regardless of where they access services within the healthcare system,” he said.
According to the Governor, the BabaCare programme reflects a sustained commitment by the devolved government to supporting vulnerable people through medical interventions.
The governor reiterated that the importance of improving cancer care, regular medical screening, and early diagnosis at the grassroots level cannot be overemphasised given the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Kenya.
“We have added 68 staff to our county health facilities to strengthen our capacity to serve the people during Mwezi wa Baba; the additional personnel will support our healthcare teams and help reduce waiting times so that patients will receive the care they need with dignity,” he said.
Governor Nassir said the month-long exercise with medical professionals providing screening, consultation, treatment and health education would enable residents who could not afford medical examinations to access free healthcare services at public health facilities across Mombasa.
Other services include cervical and breast cancer screening through pap smear tests, eye tests, health education, specialist consultations and referral for further treatment where appropriate.
“As at 15th October alone our health facilities recorded 82 cervical cancer screenings and 101 breast examinations,” he said, adding that cancer is becoming prevalent.
Nassir reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing Mombasa’s cancer burden, stating that the BabaCare initiative is aimed at bringing quality healthcare services closer to the people at the grassroots.
He added, ‘This is the promise of taking healthcare closer to the people, turning a visit to a neighbourhood public health facility into an opportunity for early detection’.
Nassir, who is also the Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) Committee on Health, exhorted area residents to come forward for the free medical screening with services on offer ranging from specialist consultations and diagnostic tests to surgeries and cancer screening.
“Since the commencement of Mwezi wa Baba, we have served 59,451 patients – 26,028 through clinical services and 33,423 through primary healthcare,” he said, adding that residents should give their health the attention it deserves.
The coastal county boss said the BabaCare initiative is turning a vision of dignity and accessible healthcare into real impact for the people.
“Behind every number is a life touched, a family supported and hope renewed; this landmark initiative is reaching our people where it matters most-their health,” he said.
By Hussein Abdullahi
