Elgeyo marakwet: The Safaricom M-PESA Foundation, in collaboration with the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet, has launched a medical outreach camp aimed at providing specialized healthcare services to thousands of local residents. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance access to preventive healthcare in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Esther Waititu, Chief Officer for Financial Services at the Safaricom M-PESA Foundation, highlighted the foundation's strategic focus on preventive healthcare measures to alleviate the long-term illness burden on communities. Waititu emphasized that the medical camp is a critical component of their county-based interventions, designed to offer preventive healthcare to underprivileged populations. By enabling proactive health management, the foundation aims to reduce overall healthcare costs and improve the efficacy of existing facilities, including those under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Beyond healthcare, the foundation has made substantial investments in education and infrastructure within Elgeyo Marakwet. Waititu noted that over Sh145 million has been invested in educational projects, including the construction of new learning institutions to enhance access to education. Furthermore, the foundation has initiated groundbreaking works for the Chegilet maternity center to ensure safe deliveries.
Governor Wisley Rotich praised the initiative, revealing that around 5,000 residents benefited from free consultations and treatment during the camp. He acknowledged Safaricom's role in digitizing the screening process, which has streamlined data capture and follow-up diagnostics. The governor expressed gratitude for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of such healthcare interventions in safeguarding families and providing essential services to those often excluded from mainstream medical care.
Additionally, the foundation is supporting the construction of three schools in the county, the Tot Mother and Baby Unit nearing completion, and the Chegilet Mother and Baby Unit at the groundbreaking stage. Governor Rotich highlighted the outreach's significance for early disease detection among vulnerable groups lacking insurance or reliable access to health facilities, noting that the program offers a preventive platform for early diagnosis and timely intervention.
The medical camp provided free consultations, screenings, and treatment services across multiple specialties, significantly reducing access barriers to healthcare for the residents of Elgeyo Marakwet.