Cabinet Secretary for Investments Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui says there is a need to strengthen the healthcare system to better address Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cancer, diabetes and hypertension.
He further urged those currently in leadership positions to ensure hospital facilities remain functional by prioritising funding and human resource allocations. This, he stressed, would result in early disease diagnosis and better clinical management.
The CS called for better equipping of all health facilities to ensure patients are properly diagnosed and medication is available as needed.
He called for a major shift in the handling of Non-Communicable Diseases so that diagnosis is not made when it is too late for effective management.
He noted that as Nakuru Governor, his administration had established a cancer centre to support early diagnosis and treatment, a facility that served not only Nakuru residents but also other neighbouring counties.
The CS was speaking at the PCEA Neema Church when he joined the family of Nakuru businessman William Waruhiu during the funeral service for his daughter Lydia Munene.
While consoling the family, Kinyanjui noted that the family had gone through a very painful season after losing their child at the prime of her life.
Kinyanjui urged elected political leaders to complete their current terms in office and allow the electorate to judge them on their performance instead of engaging in premature campaigns for other positions.
He urged Nakuru residents to exercise caution in the next elections and avoid party euphoria that could result in electing people who may not have their interests at heart.
The CS reminded the residents that some of the leaders had forgotten their mandates once they got to the respective legislative assemblies and failed to represent the interests of the people who elected them.
On international trade, the CS noted that Kenyan farmers could now access the Chinese market with their avocado and macadamia products following the signing of a 1.4 billion trade agreement.
The CS said that the agreement marked a major turning point for Kenyan farmers, manufacturers and exporters interested in the far East market.
This agreement, he noted, will allow Kenyan products access to Chinese markets faster and more competitively.
In this regard, the CS noted, the Ministry remains committed to sensitising, guiding and supporting businesses to meet standards and fully leverage this opportunity.
The agreement is more than a policy shift that opens the door to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and positions Kenya for a new era of trade growth and value addition.
On the upcoming Rironi-Mau Summit road, Kinyanjui hailed the project as a game changer for Nakuru County, as it will open up markets, improve tourism and shorten the travel time to Nairobi and the Western part of the nation.
He urged leaders to work towards positioning Nakuru as a destination of choice and therefore reap the fruits of its city status as envisioned.
By Jane Ngugi
