County Government of Laikipia

Residents across the vast Laikipia North and East sub-counties have expressed optimism over the sustained stakeholder engagements on matters of health, as LHS concluded the first round of the exercise in the expansive region Thursday last week.

The citizens who turned up in large numbers, hailed the ongoing reforms in the health sector and promised full community support.

H.E. Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, who led the health management team during the exercise, reiterated the government's commitment to walking the public through the journey of reforms and promised accommodation of the divergent views in shaping the next investment plans.

From the colorful commissioning of a new LHS Lekiji, to the delivery of tens of goats to graduate Traditional Birth Companions in the far North, to the testimony of successful take-off of the Sample Referral System, the unveiling of the trailblazing innovations in health have won the hearts of Laikipians. In one way or another, there have been dozens of beneficiaries of the new healthcare delivery system at each of the facilities.

Communities, especially those in Laikipia East, have already expressed the relief that the Medical Outpatient Clinics outreaches have been brought to those living with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The LHS Kalalu community, for instance, whose patients have for the longest time had to endure the expensive to and fro journeys for reviews and drug refills for management were thrilled by the newfound, cost-effective, and convenient way of accessing regular medical attention.

New Investments

The announcement of mega infrastructure and human capital investments in the region also became the highlight of the feedback from the community. For instance, reaction to the 500 million shillings upgrades to LHS set to be implemented this financial tear dominated the feedback from the community. The prospects of having a facility LHS Kimanjo handling most of their medical needs could not be more welcome.

The widespread investments in maternity facilities in the region were good news for mothers. The ease of access to safe motherhood without having to travel to long distances is something the communities are proud to share.

Overall, community confidence in the facilities is on the rise since the efficiencies introduced by Laikipia Health Service. For instance, LHS Mugumo has registered a 33 percent rise in inpatient visits since September last year.