Nyeri: In a move aimed at safeguarding the welfare and productivity of its workforce, the Nyeri county government has launched a three-day medical camp for its staff. The initiative will see county employees receive free screening for non-communicable diseases, selected cancers, and mental health conditions in 15 wellness centers set up across the eight sub-counties.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nyeri governor, Dr. Mutahi Kahiga, speaking during the launch at the county hall, emphasized that the camps are meant to encourage the county workforce to embrace regular medical check-ups and take care of their health. "All these efforts we are making as a county are geared towards ensuring that our staff are healthy and are able to serve the people of Nyeri effectively without undue stress," said Kahiga.
This marks the second wellness week organized by the county since its inception in 2024, which initially attracted the participation of 739 county employees. This year, the wellness week is held under the theme "Your Health, Your Responsibility," with the governor urging his staff to take charge of their health by getting regular check-ups and making necessary lifestyle adjustments for those diagnosed with various conditions.
Dr. Kahiga highlighted the county's battle with a heavy Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) burden, noting that early detection remains key in the management of lifestyle diseases. "Over 70 percent of premature NCD deaths are preventable through early detection and lifestyle changes. Screening is a 'best buy' for health where, in some programs, up to 40 percent of diabetes and hypertension cases were first identified through workplace screenings," he stated.
The county boss also encouraged employees to take advantage of the exercise to know their health status and cautioned against postponing routine medical check-ups, as poor health negatively impacts workplace productivity. "Many of our staff work long hours under demanding conditions. In the process, routine health checks are postponed, physical activity is neglected, and stress quietly accumulates. These are the very risk factors that contribute to NCDs," he said.
Furthermore, Dr. Kahiga noted that these conditions don't just affect individuals, but lead to absenteeism, reduced employee productivity, and increased healthcare costs for both the individual and the county. Nonetheless, he reiterated his government's commitment to institutionalizing staff wellness and strengthening occupational health services within the county public service.