Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich on Tuesday received oxygen cylinders from President Dr William Samoei Ruto through the Global Fund/Amref partnership.
The 305 cylinders received and en route to the county will go a long way to enable the devolved unit to provide affordable and quality healthcare to locals.
While receiving the consignment, the Governor said the cylinders will be distributed to all our 138 health facilities in Elgeyo Marakwet County, including dispensaries and those which missed out on the oxygen piping system.
“Hustlers will now be able to get oxygen like anyone else in the nearest facility. Further, we shall continue strengthening our primary health care system through prevention and medical screening which is currently in its 6th ward. Our CHVs and healthcare workers will be at the centre of this strategy,” Rotich said.
The Governor also used the opportunity at the State House to brief the President on the security situation in the region and requested more effort.
“I also informed him of the new strategy by leaders, religious leaders and peace committees to initiate a new round of peace-building forums,” he said.
On Monday, President Ruto flagged off more than 20,000 medical oxygen cylinders to the 47 Counties.
Kenya’s development partners
Speaking during the event held at State House, Nairobi, the President lauded development partners for their contribution to Kenya’s public health.
He said “close and strong” collaboration with them has enabled Kenya to defeat diseases such as Malaria, HIV/Aids and Tuberculosis.
In particular, he pointed out the Global Fund for its engagements that have furthered the realisation of Universal Health Coverage.
In the past two decades, the President noted, the Fund had invested more than Ksh225 Billion in Kenya.
“Our partnerships have been remarkable; they have facilitated high-impact strategic health programmes in the country.”
On the other hand, the Global Chief Executive Officer of Amref Health Africa Githinji Gitahi noted that the cylinders will serve at least 320 medical care facilities.
The President said the Government’s commitment goes beyond the traditional delivery of health services as a public good.
“We are intervening radically to make healthcare inclusive, accessible, affordable and of high quality.”
Even with resource constraints, the President explained that a new funding plan has been opened up to accommodate more partners.
More than 20 Governors were present.
Council of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru said Counties are pursuing strategic interventions that will make healthcare affordable.
“We commit to providing quality healthcare to every Kenyan across the country,” said the Kirinyaga county boss.
