Health

MAKUENI COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL MAKES MEDICAL HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY

Makueni County Referral Hospital has successfully performed its first-ever brain tumor surgery, marking a major leap forward in the county’s healthcare capabilities.

The delicate procedure, which took more than six hours, involved the excision of a brain tumor and was led by Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Muthoka Mativo, with support from Dr. Angela Murunga.

Chief Officer for Health, Dr. Harvey Mulei, who witnessed the procedure, lauded the surgical team for their exceptional expertise, coordination, and commitment

The patient, 69-year-old male, had been battling persistent migrains and seizures when he sought help at the facility.

After a thorough diagnostic process, doctors recommended immediate surgical intervention, which was successfully performed in the hospital’s main theatre.

This historic achievement means that Makueni residents will no longer need to travel to distant cities for advanced neurosurgical procedures. Kenyatta National Hospital

OVER 30 NEW MOTHERS AT MAKUENI MOTHER AND CHIL HOSPITAL RECEIVE MOTHER’S DAY SURPRISE

More than 30 new mothers at Makueni Mother and Child Hospital on Monday received a pleasant surprise for Mother’s Day, marked on Sunday, when senior female leaders from the county’s Executive paid them a special visit.

Led by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, (CECMs) and Chief Officers distributed gift hampers containing postnatal care packages tailored for lactating mothers.

The gesture was part of efforts to honor and celebrate motherhood.

Mulili praised the critical role mothers play in families and society and urged them to prioritize medical care for infant teething and adopt modern reproductive health practices for better outcomes.

She was accompanied by CECMs Elizabeth Muli (ICT), Dr. Sonia Nzilani (Trade), County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa, County Referral Hospital CEO Martha Munyao, and other senior county officials.

27 KIDNEY PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM VASCULAR ACCESS SURGERIES AT MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL.

Twenty-seven patients undergoing dialysis at the Makueni County Referral Hospital and other hospitals have successfully received arteriovenous fistula procedures, a critical form of vascular access that significantly improves the effectiveness and safety of dialysis.

The surgeries were conducted by a team of seven specialists from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), who have been stationed at the facility since Wednesday.

The team, led by Dr. Tom Omulo, is in Makueni courtesy of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., following a partnership between the County Government of Makueni, KNH, and the University of Nairobi.

Dr. Omulo explained that arteriovenous fistulas offer kidney failure patients a safer and more permanent access to dialysis compared to catheter insertions, which are more susceptible to infections, clotting, and disconnection.

The initiative has drawn patients from neighboring counties, including Kitui and Machakos.

According to Dr. Harvey Mulei, the Chief Officer for Health, Administration, Human Resource and Management, the county is exploring further collaboration with KNH to train its healthcare workers in vascular access procedures to enhance local capacity.

BOOST FOR CHILD HEALTH

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and Health Services CECM Dr. Paul Musila on Thursday flagged off a consignment of nutrition supplies at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.

The four-month supply, donated by Helen Keller International, will be distributed across 121 health facilities in the county that manage cases of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) among children.

Currently, the County is caring for 950 children under the age of five diagnosed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition, a condition that, if left untreated, can have long-lasting effects on a child’s growth and development.

Speaking during the flag-off, Mulili emphasized the importance of the intervention, noting that the nutrition commodities will go a long way in restoring the health and vitality of affected children.

Dr. Musila lauded the partnership with Helen Keller International, stressing the county’s commitment to ensuring every child has a chance to thrive.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH KEY INSTITUTIONS TO BOOST HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance healthcare services in the county.

The agreements, signed with The Open University of Kenya,Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), and North Star Alliance, will strengthen medical research, capacity building, and disease prevention efforts.

Under the partnership with The Open University of Kenya, the Department of Health will facilitate student placements and research opportunities in health sciences within county health facilities.

The collaboration aims to bolster medical education, enhance research, and apply scientific knowledge to improve patient care.

Meanwhile, the agreement with CHAK will support the implementation of comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs in select faith-based and county health facilities.

This partnership will run until September 2026, emphasizing efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the region.

North Star Alliance will as well work alongside the County Health Department to reduce the prevalence of communicable diseases, including HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The partnership will focus on delivering health and safety services at the Roadside Wellness Centre in Emali and integrating key population-friendly services in selected health facilities

KYAMBEKE HEALTH FACILITY UPGRADED TO LEVEL IV IN MAJOR HEALTHCARE BOOST

Kyambeke Health Facility has received a significant upgrade following its official gazettement from a Level III to a Level IV facility.

This milestone was confirmed during Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s development visit in Ilima ward on Tuesday.

As part of the upgrade, the facility has been equipped with a full haemogram machine for the laboratory department to enhance diagnostic services.

The facility is equipped with dedicated wards, offering 11 beds for female patients, 10 for male patients, 6 for maternity care and 2 baby cots, ensuring comprehensive healthcare services.

Additionally, 15 more healthcare staff have been deployed to improve service delivery to the vast surrounding community. The elevation marks a substantial step in improving healthcare services in the region.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Mutula reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare and ensuring improved services for all Makueni residents.

“We, as the County Executive, have agreed with the County Assembly to create a plan in the upcoming budget that will ensure Makueni residents receive quality healthcare,” said Mutula.

During the ward tour, Governor Mutula also handed over six 100-seater tents and 600 plastic chairs to community groups with membership of more than 3,000 members at a public baraza in Kyambeke Market.

The governor was accompanied by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, CEC Member for Lands Japheth Mang’oka, Majority Leader Kisungi Wa Katete and MCAs Jonathan Muthoka (Ilima), Urbanus Manzu Kee and Special-Elect Magdalene Mulwa.

MAKUENI BATTLES TB AS OVER 40% TO 50% OF CASES GO UNDIAGNOSED

Makueni County recorded 2,200 new tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2024, with more than half going undiagnosed, raising concerns over the silent spread of the disease.

Health Services CECM, Dr. Paul Musila, revealed these figures at Matiliku Market on Monday while delivering his speech during World TB Day.

He expressed alarm over childhood TB, noting that 161 children were diagnosed in 2024,just 60% of the expected cases,leaving 40% undetected.

Dr. Musila reaffirmed the county government’s commitment, in partnership with stakeholders, to intensify TB control efforts.

Measures include increasing public awareness, enhancing early diagnosis and treatment, conducting outreach screenings, and integrating TB education into school health programs.

Echoing his sentiments, Chief Officer for Health Administration and Human Resource, Dr. Harvey Mulei, emphasized that TB treatment and medication are available free of charge at all county health facilities.

He urged locals to take advantage of these services by seeking TB screening at the nearest health center.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. CHAMPIONS ORAL HEALTH AT WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY EVENT IN MAKUENI.

Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, remains a pressing public health issue affecting many Kenyans.

Despite its significance, the consequences of neglecting dental health are often overlooked.

However, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. took a bold step on Thursday towards raising awareness during the World Oral Health Day celebrations held at Nduluku Primary School in Mbooni.

Governor Mutula stressed his unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of Makueni residents, emphasizing the key role oral health plays in overall health.

Further ,he noted that oral health is not only a reflection of an individual’s well-being but also directly impacts their quality of life.

In a press statement signed by Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Director-General of Health in the Ministry of Health, the objectives of the 2025 World Oral Health Day were include,raising public awareness about the importance of oral health, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to prevent oral diseases, promoting positive oral health behaviors, and highlighting the vital connection between good oral health and mental well-being.

Dr. Rebecca Kiptui read the official press statement elaborating on the day’s objectives.

The event also featured a general health medical camp, offering a variety of services to the community.

Among the distinguished attendees were County Commissioner Duncan Darusi, Area MCA Dennis Musyoka (Waia-Kako), and Nominated MCA Hon. Mutindi Kiio, Health services CECM Dr.Paul Musila and Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS COUNTY TECHNICAL TASKFORCE TO ADDRESS THANGE OIL SPILL.

Thange, Kibwezi East

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday unveiled a County Technical Working Team to assess the effects of oil spillage in Thange Ward.

The spill, first detected in 2015, has continued to affect community and the environment in Kibwezi East Sub County leading to serious health risks, including respiratory issues and skin conditions, as well as environmental damage such as water contamination, loss of aquatic life and reduced soil fertility.

While addressing a public forum in Thange market, Governor Mutula called on the newly unveiled team to accelerate their investigation into the effects of the oil spillage and submit an interim report within a month.

“Let’s refrain from prioritizing personal and political interests at the expense of affected residents and the damaged local ecosystems,” stated the governor.

The 8 member team, consisting of technical officers from the environment, water, livestock, public health and water analysis sectors, will play a key role in establishing the foundation for filing a formal complaint and determining the way forward for the affected community.

Mutula was joined by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, CECMs Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Dr. Paul Musila (Health), Eng. John Kieti (Water), County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, and MCAs Eric Katumo, Harrison Mwanzia, and Brian Nzoka.

MAKUENI RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS AS COUNTY MARKS WORLD KIDNEY DAY

Makueni County joined the rest of the world in marking World Kidney Day at Makueni County Referral Hospital, where hundreds of residents turned up to raise awareness about kidney health and access free medical check-ups.

Leading the celebrations, Chief Officer for Health Administration and Human Resource, Dr. Harvey Mulei Mbithi, underscored the importance of early detection and prevention in the fight against chronic kidney disease.

He reaffirmed the county’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services, highlighting the construction of over 100 health facilities since the inception of devolution as part of efforts to improve medical access.

The event featured free health screenings, including kidney function tests and assessments for other non-communicable diseases, giving residents an opportunity to detect potential health issues early.

Dr. Mbithi urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, undergo regular check-ups, and seek timely medical intervention to combat kidney disease.

World Kidney Day is observed globally to educate communities on the importance of kidney health, promote early diagnosis, and encourage preventive measures against kidney-related illnesses.