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Health

REFORMED GUM CUTTER LEADS FIGHT AGAINST OUTDATED PRACTICE IN KIBWEZI.

For two decades, Leah Kitheka, now 63, carried out the painful traditional practice of gum cutting on children in her Sub Location of Mbui Nzau. With roughly 150 children subjected to the harmful procedure under her hands, Leah once believed she was offering help. Today, she is on a mission to right the wrong.

Driven by awareness and remorse, Leah now moves from home to home, urging mothers to seek medical care for teething issues instead of resorting to unsafe traditional methods.

Leah is among several reformed gum cutters empowered by the Makueni County Government to become champions of child health and protect future generations from the trauma she once inflicted.

On Thursday, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili led a powerful forum at Kibwezi Sub-County Hospital, bringing together over 500 young women including pregnant mothers, community health promoters, and former gum cutters for a sensitization session aimed at ending gum cutting for good.

Mulili also announced plans to introduce a county policy that will outlaw the brutal practice ,often carried out using sharp objects like nails, razor blades, and bicycle spokes, and promote safer healthcare interventions for infants.

To support the reformed cutters in their new journey, Mulili presented them with 100 one-week-old chicks and poultry feed for two months ,a small but meaningful step toward helping them build alternative livelihoods and continue being voices of transformation in their villages.

MAKUENI COUNTY STEPS UP EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

The Makueni County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing primary healthcare delivery.

On Wednesday CECM in charge of Health Services Joyce Mutua,led a section of County Health Management team to visit Ivinganzia Dispensary in Mavindini Ward, to assess service gaps and outline strategic interventions.

The county is now moving to introduce a structured framework for deploying relief nurses, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery for the community.

Mutua noted that the department is prioritizing to Ensure facilities operate full-time.

The dispensary currently offers key services such as maternity care, routine clinical consultations, deliveries, and access to essential medicines. More complex cases are referred to Mavindini Level 3 Hospital.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. COMMISSIONS UPGRADED MATILIKU SUB-COUNTY HOSPITAL FACILITIES

Residents of Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Ward and surrounding areas will now benefit from improved quality, affordable, and reliable healthcare services following the commissioning of a new dental unit, digital X-ray machine, and renovated outpatient unit at Matiliku Sub-county Hospital.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. inaugurated the facilities on Tuesday, reinforcing his commitment to universal healthcare in Makueni County by strengthening medical infrastructure and service delivery.

The upgrades are expected to reduce referral burdens on Makueni County Referral Hospital, ensuring faster and more efficient healthcare access for local communities.

The governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Makueni County Assembly Speaker Mbilu Douglas, area MCA Francis Mutuku, MCAs Kyalo Mumo (Tulimani), Majority Kisungi wa Katete (Kithungo/Kitundu) and a host of other local leaders.

MARIA SALUS INFIRMORUM HEALTH FACILITY UNVEILED IN KILOME

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Thursday joined Wiper party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka and other leaders at Kiongwani in Kilome Sub-county for the official unveiling of the Maria Salus Infirmorum Health Facility.

The facility has been established through the efforts of donors in Spain.

The facility will now join the network of county health facilities providing essential services to the people of Makueni.

The launch aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s commitment to strengthening universal health coverage and promoting medical tourism across the county.

Deputy Governor Mulili emphasized the importance of care networks that integrate private and public health services under the World Health Organization framework, noting significant improvements in the county’s health system.

She also acknowledged the development-oriented leadership of the Wiper party leader and extended her best wishes as he eyes the presidency in the upcoming general elections.

Also in attendance was the CECM in charge of Devolution Nickolas Nzioka, Chief Officers Health Services Dr.Harvey Mulei and Felistus Mutune Office of the Governor.

MAKUENI CONFIRMS 216 CONTRACT HEALTHCARE WORKERS TO PERMANENT TERMS

The Makueni County Government has confirmed 216 healthcare workers, who had served on contract for more than three years, to permanent and pensionable terms.

The confirmation letters were issued on Wednesday by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. during a ceremony held at the Mother and Child Hospital.

The newly confirmed staff include 50 nurses, 24 registered clinical officers, 18 medical laboratory technologists, 12 pharmaceutical technologists, 11 psychological counsellors, and 4 emergency medical technicians, among other essential health professionals.

The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to strengthening the county’s health system by investing in the welfare of health workers.

As part of this commitment, 917 employees across various cadres have already been promoted after years of stagnation in the same job groups.

Further, 56 doctors, including six consultants, were elevated to Job Group R, while three senior consultants were promoted to Job Group S in recognition of their critical contributions.

In a major boost to specialized care, the county has also hired its first neurosurgeon, who is now stationed at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.

The Governor acknowledged the challenges faced by healthcare personnel working on contract terms, including job insecurity, disparities in remuneration, limited access to training opportunities, and difficulties in obtaining credit facilities despite being expected to deliver at par with their permanently employed counterparts.

Governor Kilonzo Jr. was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, chairman Public Service Board Dr.Nickodemus Muteti, several Members of County Assembly, and members of the County Executive during the event.

MAKUENI AND THINKWELL STRENGTHEN HEALTH SECTOR THROUGH PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

The Makueni County Government, in partnership with ThinkWell, have been implementing a performance management framework aimed at systematically tracking progress, identifying service delivery gaps, and enhancing health outcomes across the county.

On Tuesday, the County Health Management Team convened at Kusyombunguo Hotel to assess the implementation of previous action points and propose corrective measures where necessary.

During the forum, ThinkWell representative Moses Maragu reported that health facilities achieved a 100 percent reporting rate in April and May this year.

Level 2 and 3 facilities recorded higher participation and inclusion in the analysis compared to level 4 facilities.

The assessment also showed that level 4 facilities had attained full availability of essential maternal and newborn care equipment.

Items such as delivery beds, vacuum extractors, and complete delivery packs were reported to be readily available, reflecting improved facility readiness for maternal and newborn care.

Outgoing County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, Dr. Paul Musila, who attended the meeting, used the opportunity to introduce the incoming CECM, Joyce Mutua.

He emphasized the role of performance management in strengthening accountability, enhancing efficiency, and aligning health interventions with county priorities.

He also highlighted the framework’s role in promoting data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and the optimal use of resources to better serve the population.

COUNTY PARTNERS WITH KILOME YOUTH AND KNH DOCTORS TO REACH OVER 500 IN MEDICAL OUTREACH

Over the weekend, the County Government of Makueni, in collaboration with Kilome Digital Youth Kenya and medical professionals from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), conducted a successful medical outreach program targeting over 500 residents of Kilome Sub-county.

The outreach, led by Dr. Harvey Mulei, the Chief Officer for Health Services, provided free medical services including general health screenings, cancer checks, laboratory diagnostics, and medication.

Dr. Mulei noted that the program exceeded expectations, as there was sufficient medication for all patients, with the surplus redirected to local health facilities.

He noted that medical camps play a critical role in early detection and timely intervention of health conditions. He said they also help in identifying cases that require referral to higher-level facilites.

He further disclosed that, as part of the county’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and the health department are in the process of developing a health insurance scheme aimed at shielding residents from the vagaries of hospital bills.

GOVERNOR MUTULA BRIEFS SENATE COMMITTEE ON COUNTY’S PLANS TO IMPROVE HOSPITAL SERVICES

Makueni County has rolled out a pilot online system to track expired or unused medical commodities to streamline pharmaceutical procurement.

Speaking when he appeared before the Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds on Thursday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr outlined measures taken by the County to enhance transparency, efficiency and patient care quality.

Governor Mutula informed senators that Makueni health facilities handle nearly 2 million patients annually, highlighting the need for improved service systems and increased healthcare funding.

Accompanied by his deputy H.E DG-Makueni Lucy Mulili , Mutula further said his administration was in the process of finalizing the drafting of a County Waiver Bill to legally structure the waiving of hospital bills for vulnerable residents.

Senators Peris Tobiko (Kajiado) and George Mbungua (Special Elect) commended Makueni County for adopting cashless transactions, a move aimed at improving accountability in health service payments.

Also present during the session chaired by

Migori Senator, Eddy Oketch were Senators Allan Chesang (Trans-Nzoia), Issa Boy Juma Chemelá (Kwale), Daniel Maanzo (Makueni), and Special Elect Senators, Beth Syengo, Agnes Kavindu, and Hamida Ali Kibwana.

MAKUENI COUNTY PARTNERS WITH PATH, WITH SUPPORT FROM AMERICAN BIOPHARMACEUTICAL GIANT AMGEN, TO COMBAT THE GROWING THREAT OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDs)

Makueni County is set to collaborate with PATH, a global primary healthcare organization, with support from the American biopharmaceutical giant Amgen, to combat the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity.

This partnership will focus on breaking down barriers in screening, diagnosis, and care,particularly self-care within the county’s health system and communities.

The initiative follows a 2024 survey by PATH, which revealed alarming data: 98% of residents have limited knowledge about cardio-metabolic diseases (CMDs), and nearly 40% are at risk of being overweight or obese.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo stresses the urgency of addressing these findings, calling NCDs a “quiet pandemic” that demands immediate action.

CECM for Health, Paul Musila, welcomed the partnership, noting its timely arrival amid rising NCD cases in the region.

Carolyne Njuguna, PATH Kenya’s Director, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering both the health system and local communities through capacity-building and awareness campaigns focused on self-care and disease management.

Amgen’s Global Head, Sean Lybrand, praised the county’s leadership and emphasized the critical role of accessible NCD care in building a healthier society.

MAKUENI EMBRACES TELE-SURGERY IN NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH PROXIMIE

Department of Health Services is exploring the use of advanced telepresence technology to revolutionize surgical procedures across its health facilities.

The technology will allow surgeries to be recorded in both video and audio formats, enabling real-time collaboration and continuous learning for medical teams.

As part of the initiative, sub-county hospitals are being prepared to adopt the new tele-surgery platform, marking a huge step toward modernizing healthcare delivery in the county.

In a move to further enhance maternal health, the initiative is also introducing the “Run for Her” campaign, which focuses on raising awareness about postpartum hemorrhage,one of the leading causes of maternal deaths.

The campaign seeks to strengthen health systems and safeguard the lives of mothers throughout the county.

A team from Proximie, a global leader in virtual surgical collaboration, held conversation with Makueni’s medical officers and hospital superintendents.

The discussions were led by Shannon Shibata Germanos, Proximie’s Head of Global Health, who demonstrated how the platform empowers healthcare professionals to learn faster, share expertise, and receive real-time surgical guidance,even in remote facilities.

According toHealth Services ECM Dr. Paul Musila, the technology will enable doctors to observe surgeries remotely, adopt modern techniques, and receive instant expert support.

He further said the integration of telepresence tools is expected to transform surgical care and improve patient outcomes across Makueni County.