Emurua Dikir: More than 1,500 residents, the majority of them elderly, have received free medical treatment in a week-long health camp organized by the Maasai Mara Rotary Club in partnership with several Non-Governmental Organizations. The medical outreach focused on specialized eye care, which remains largely inaccessible in this remote part of Narok County.
According to Kenya News Agency, of the total beneficiaries, 300 patients underwent eye surgeries that restored their sight, bringing renewed hope and relief to a community long underserved in specialized health services. Speaking during the close of the camp, Dr. Albert Masua, an optician and one of the lead medical practitioners, noted the overwhelming turnout and the diverse cases treated. "I managed to attend to over 300 patients with various eye conditions and other health concerns. While the camp primarily targeted elderly patients, we were surprised to see a significant number of young people also presenting with eye-related issues," said Dr. Masua.
Maasai Mara Rotary Club Chairperson Catherine Mutula commended the community for their openness to seeking medical help and embracing healthcare interventions. "We are happy to see such a positive response from the people. It shows a growing awareness and willingness to address health concerns early. This is exactly the kind of impact we hope to make with these initiatives," she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Pauline Cherotich, shared her emotional journey saying; "I have lived with eye problems for the past four years. My vision would come and go, and I couldn't afford treatment. Today, after receiving care here, I can see again. I thank the Rotary Club and all the doctors for giving me a new lease on life," she said.
Following the success of the camp, residents have appealed to the government to establish a permanent, specialized eye unit in the region. They say the increasing number of eye-related ailments calls for long-term solutions and better access to consistent care.