Narok, Kenya – In a significant move to improve healthcare services, the County Government of Narok has intensified its efforts to ensure universal access to quality healthcare for all residents. This initiative is part of the broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goal.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at his second State of the County Address in the County Assembly chambers, the administration has implemented several measures to make quality healthcare affordable for all Narok residents. One of the key steps has been the tripling of the budget for essential medicine and medical supplies from Sh. 120 million to Sh. 360 million annually. This increase is attributed to the expanded number of healthcare facilities and enhanced infrastructure in local hospitals requiring a steady supply of medical essentials.
Governor Ntutu emphasized the commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to every resident of Narok County, irrespective of their socio-economic status. He highlighted the near completion of ongoing constructions at the Narok County Referral Hospital, which are expected to significantly improve and diversify healthcare services.
Over the past year, the county has completed the construction of 44 health centers, 33 maternity wings, and 36 staff units. These new facilities are slated to be equipped and made fully operational soon. The governor also mentioned the support extended to Community Health Promoters (CHPs), including a stipend of Sh. 5,000 each and the distribution of CHP kits to 1,638 community promoters across eight sub-counties.
In addition to healthcare, Governor Ntutu touched upon advancements in education. The county has completed 298 classrooms, including a model Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) center in Ololulunga ward, along with other educational infrastructure like dining halls, laboratories, dormitories, staff houses, washrooms, and a multi-purpose hall. Furthermore, the county has allocated approximately Sh. 400 million in bursaries to assist 40,000 needy students.
The address, led by County Assembly Speaker Davis Dikirr, was attended by Narok Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech, the County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers, and other dignitaries.