Nairobi – Kisumu County has achieved notable advancements in healthcare, particularly in expanding access to quality services. This progress is largely attributed to the county government’s efforts to bolster healthcare infrastructure in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county has operationalized 280 new Community Health Centres, augmenting the existing 151 public health hospitals and 5 faith-based health facilities. This expansion has contributed to an increase in hospital deliveries among women, rising from 69 to 94 percent.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, speaking during his first State of the County address since reelection, highlighted the significant improvements in healthcare under his administration. The focus on establishing new health facilities and investing in Community Health Workers (CHWs) has been pivotal, particularly in enhancing service delivery in rural areas.
The governor also mentioned the completion of five health facilities in 2023, including Ombaka Health Centre in Nyando Sub- County, Aluoch Adhier Health Centre in Nyando Sub- County, Michura Health Centre in Nyakach Sub-County, Malela Dispensary in Seme Sub-County, and Nyadado Dispensary in Seme Sub- County. Additionally, the county government has allocated Sh150 million for rehabilitating one facility per ward across all thirty-five wards, aiming to create mini healthcare hubs.
A significant collaboration with the Safaricom Foundation has led to the construction of Ratta Mother and Child Hospital in Seme Sub-County. The investment in community health services has increased CHW household visits, with a rise from 187,977 in 2022 to 206,420 in 2023. Remarkably, 84% of Community Health Workers are now digitally empowered, enhancing healthcare services at the grassroots level.
This robust approach in the health sector has led to a decrease in maternal mortality by 30 percent, from 495 to 343 per 100,000 live births. Infant mortality rates have also reduced from 54 to 39 per 100,000 live births, and under-5 mortalities have decreased from 79 to 63 deaths per 1,000 live births, as per the Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2022.
Governor Nyong’o highlighted the success of the Marwa Solidarity Health Insurance program, launched in March 2021, designed to assist indigent locals. The health scheme has seen an increase in claims from Sh175 million in 2021/22 to Sh279 million in 2022/2023. Covering 5,409 principal indigent households and over 21,000 dependents, the scheme has facilitated 38,950 clinic visits, including 1,551 inpatients and 37,400 outpatient visits since 2021.