Bungoma County Receives Sh17 Million Boost for Community Health Initiatives
BUNGOMA, Kenya – The Kenyan Government has allocated Sh17 million in stipends to 3,500 Community Health Promoters (CHP) in Bungoma County, a move aimed at bolstering health services at the grassroots level. The announcement was made by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Susan Nakhumicha, during the inauguration of the Community Health Promoters Bungoma chapter at the Bungoma Airstrip grounds on Saturday.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Ministry of Health has also provided the CHPs with essential kits to enhance their capacity to address health challenges within the community. She identified new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) as critical issues confronting the region, urging residents to actively participate in mitigation efforts.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of preventive measures against HIV, including the use of condoms and adherence to medical advice for expectant mothers to prevent mother-to-child transmission. “If we bring down cases of HIV, we shall have resources to take care of the rest of the health system,” Nakhumicha stated, highlighting the interconnectedness of health challenges.
Nakhumicha also expressed concern over the high rate of teenage pregnancies in Bungoma County and called for a unified approach among leaders and the community to combat this issue. Additionally, she advocated for an end to SGBV, underlining its adverse effects on women and, by extension, on family welfare.
The Cabinet Secretary further outlined new health policies aimed at ensuring that Kenyans have access to quality health services near their homes. She explained that primary health care at levels I, II, and III would be free, with some expenses incurred at level IV facilities. Starting 1st March, low-income individuals will contribute Sh300 towards the health insurance fund, while higher-income earners will pay 2.75 percent of their income. The funds collected will be allocated towards improving health services.
Additionally, Nakhumicha announced the creation of an Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund to provide free treatment for cancer and kidney diseases, including dialysis, at level V government facilities.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka also spoke at the event, encouraging residents to get tested for HIV to control the virus’s spread, with the county’s prevalence rate currently at 2.3 percent. He echoed the call for collective action to address teenage pregnancies, stressing its importance for the community’s growth and reputation.
The event was attended by other Ministry of Health officials, Kanduyi Member of Parliament John Makali, Didimus Barasa Kimilili M.P., among other dignitaries, underscoring the government’s commitment to health sector reforms and community well-being in Bungoma County.