Ainabkoi – Over the weekend, the residents of Drys Farm in the Ainabkoi constituency of Uasin Gishu County had the opportunity to access free medical services during a comprehensive screening camp. The camp, hosted at Drys Girls Secondary School, was facilitated by the Kenyatta University Training Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) and benefited more than 2,000 individuals.
According to Kenya News Agency, the deputy director of clinical services at KUTRRH, and Dr. Evans Kiprotich, Uasin Gishu County’s Director of Health, the focus of the medical camps has evolved to prioritize screenings. This shift aims to identify individuals in the community with undiagnosed conditions, as many residents tend not to seek regular medical check-ups. The screenings targeted various health issues, including cervical and prostate cancers, diabetes, and hypertension, with specific emphasis on early detection and prevention.
Dr. Onyimbo highlighted the contribution of the National Cancer Control Programme, which provided essential supplies for the camp, including prostate cancer test kits and cervical cancer screening tools. Dr. Kiprotich discussed the observed healthcare demand in the community, emphasizing the importance of such medical camps in bridging healthcare access gaps. He noted particular concerns regarding the low rates of health screenings among men for conditions like prostate enlargement, an issue compounded by social stigma.
The event was a collaborative effort involving several healthcare organizations and was sponsored by Prof. Olive Mugenda, a prominent academic and chairperson of the KUTRRH Board of Directors, who is also an alumna of the AIC Drys Farm Primary School. In conjunction with the medical camp, Prof. Mugenda organized a fundraising event to support educational initiatives at her alma mater, illustrating her commitment to giving back to the community that supported her educational journey.
The funds raised, exceeding 30 million Kenyan shillings, are earmarked for significant educational infrastructure improvements, including a new library and ICT center, and the renovation of school facilities. The initiatives underscore a broader commitment to enhancing both health and educational opportunities in the Ainabkoi constituency, reflecting a holistic approach to community development.