On January 23, 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, visited Kakamega County to enhance healthcare systems through stakeholder engagement and facility assessments. The visit was part of the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and service delivery in the region, aligning with national development goals such as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and Vision 2030.
Dr. Barasa’s visit focused on the implementation of the National Equipment Program, a key initiative aimed at improving the infrastructure and capabilities of health facilities across Kenya. During her visit, she engaged with county health officials, led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Mrs. Peninah Mukabane, to assess the current state of health services in the county and explore ways to improve them. The discussions centered on mapping out health facilities in Kakamega to identify gaps and opportunities for enhancing their capacity to deliver quality services to the local population.
One of the main highlights of the visit was Dr. Barasa’s engagement with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) team, led by Mr. Eliud Muriithi, Director of Commercial Services at KEMSA. The meeting focused on the provision of health products and technologies (HPTs) for Kakamega and other counties, ensuring that healthcare providers have the necessary resources to offer effective services. This collaboration is crucial in ensuring that health facilities are well-equipped with the essential medical supplies and technologies required to meet the growing demands of the population.
In addition to these discussions, Dr. Barasa toured Kakamega County General and Referral Hospital, one of the region’s major healthcare institutions. The tour allowed her to assess the hospital’s service delivery and identify areas where improvements could be made. During the visit, she highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges faced by healthcare facilities in providing timely and efficient services to the public. Her assessment focused on improving the hospital’s infrastructure, human resource capacity, and the availability of medical supplies.
The visit to Kakamega is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Health to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their location, have access to quality and affordable healthcare services. The government’s commitment to healthcare reform is reflected in the implementation of the Taifa Care initiative, which seeks to improve the overall healthcare system and make it more inclusive. This initiative is in line with the government’s vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, ensuring that all citizens can access essential health services without facing financial hardship.
Dr. Barasa emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and county governments, as well as the private sector, in strengthening healthcare systems. She noted that the success of the National Equipment Program and other health initiatives depends on the active involvement of all stakeholders, including local communities, healthcare workers, and development partners. By working together, she believes that Kenya can achieve significant improvements in health outcomes and ensure that every Kenyan has access to the care they need.
The Ministry of Health’s focus on strengthening healthcare systems in Kakamega County is a critical step toward achieving the broader goals of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. By improving healthcare infrastructure, the government is not only enhancing the quality of life for residents but also contributing to the region’s economic development. Healthy populations are more productive and able to contribute to the growth of the economy, making investments in healthcare a key driver of national progress.
Dr. Barasa’s visit to Kakamega is also an important reminder of the ongoing efforts to ensure that the health sector remains responsive to the needs of the population. The government’s commitment to improving healthcare services at the county level reflects its dedication to achieving equitable health outcomes for all Kenyans, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status. The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor and evaluate the progress of health reforms across the country, ensuring that the healthcare system is responsive, sustainable, and capable of meeting the challenges of the future.
In conclusion, Dr. Barasa’s visit to Kakamega County highlights the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and ensuring that all Kenyans have access to quality care. Through initiatives such as the National Equipment Program and the Taifa Care initiative, the Ministry of Health is working to strengthen healthcare systems and improve service delivery across the country. This visit marks an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to transform Kenya’s healthcare sector and achieve the goal of Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
