More than 2,000 residents of Kapenguria, West Pokot County have benefited from free oral hygiene kits and other essential dental services during a community outreach organised by Mount Kenya University (MKU) to mark World Oral Health Day 2026.
The outreach, held Thursday at Makutano School, brought much-needed oral healthcare closer to underserved communities, with a strong focus on prevention and awareness. The initiative was conducted by MKU’s Department of Dental Sciences under the College of Health Sciences as part of the university’s Supporting Communities campaign.
Among the items the residents benefited from were free toothbrushes and toothpaste, free dental check-ups, oral health education, and referrals for specialized treatment where necessary. The exercise aimed to address common but often neglected dental conditions while promoting proper hygiene practices.
Christine Semekal, CEO of Oral Health Mashinani, and the implementer of the programme said the outreach plays a key role in advancing universal health coverage by making oral healthcare accessible at the grassroots
“Oral health has been disregarded, especially a section of the rural population. There is a need for continuous sensitization on oral health as well as enabling affordability of basic items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste in the villages,” said Semekal, who is also an MKU alumni.
Other stakeholders included West Pokot County Government, Glow Foundation, Arrow Dental, and the Kenya Red Cross Society, among other stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, West Pokot Director of Public Health Mr. Benson Chumankemer lauded the initiative, noting that such preventive efforts help reduce the long-term burden of dental diseases.
Beyond service delivery, the outreach also provided MKU students with practical, hands-on training under professional supervision, strengthening their clinical skills and community engagement experience.
The World Oral Health Day highlights the importance of oral health as a critical component of overall well-being.
By Muoki Charles
