By Rachael Nzioki
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has flagged off the distribution of 500 bicycles to Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Kwale County to strengthen access to primary healthcare services.
Speaking at Kwale headquarters in Matuga sub-county, Muthoni commended the CHPs for their dedication in improving community health through door-to-door services.
“I am proud that our CHPs have been moving from house to house helping people monitor their blood pressure, sugar levels, and access family planning services,” she said.
Muthoni noted that each CHP is expected to serve about 100 households, and where the number is higher, the data will be reviewed to ensure fair workload distribution.
She announced that 92 percent of households in Kwale have been registered under the community health initiative, terming it a major milestone in health coverage.
However, the PS expressed concern that only 35 percent of residents have registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, urging CHPs to mobilize more people to sign up.
“SHA registration is crucial since it is health-related and ensures families can access medical services affordably,” she added.
Muthoni also cautioned residents against misusing the bicycles and urged riders to adhere to safety guidelines to avoid accidents.
Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, who represented the county government, thanked the PS and partners AMREF Health Africa and World Bicycle Relief for their continued support to the county’s health sector.
“The county’s main agenda is to ensure that residents receive the best health services. Today we are giving out 500 bicycles compared to 100 last year, which will ease movement for our CHPs,” said Kombo.
He further announced that the upcoming regional cycling competition will be hosted in Kwale in November, describing it as an opportunity to promote health and wellness among residents.
AMREF Health Africa Kenya County Director Meshack Ndirangu said the organization continues to work closely with the government to improve health and sanitation.
“These bicycles will make it easier for CHPs to conduct immunization drives and reach children in need. We are proud to support a program that brings health services closer to the people,” he said.
World Bicycle Relief Regional Director Maureen Kolenyo lauded the collaboration, saying the bicycles will empower CHPs to reach remote households faster and more efficiently.
“We are happy to see these bicycles going to people who are changing lives every day,” she noted.
