Author: Maxwell Wasike

CS Nakhumicha inspects East Africa Kidney Institute

Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S Wafula has done an inspection of the East African Center of Excellence for Urology and Nephrology,located within within the Kenyatta National Hospital grounds.

Accompanied by her EAC and ASAL counterpart Rebecca Miano,Nakhumicha urged the engineer in charge of the project to fast-track its completion in order to serve the growing needs of patients thus save lives of many Kenyans seeking the services of the facility.

“You people have given us a variation of Kshs 525 million and that’s too much we can’t afford it so you go and look at it.We are delaying people to benefit from the services of the facility that has been put up to serve their interest.Closing the floor and the ceiling that’s not it.For some people it’s a matter of life and death;when they get here and they see this institute working they will breath a sigh of relief. So please go and look at your figures and fine tune it to make it abit reasonable because the economy is gradually picking up because we need to see the progress of this initiative to serve its intended purpose ” she told the project consultant who promised to revert back by Tuesday next week.

The facility is funded by African Development Bank in partnership with Kenyan government.

Touted as a centre of excellence and a game changer in the management of kidney diseases in the region,the Sh3.6 billion kidney centre was put up in 2019.

Nakhumicha who has been spearheading the completion of various health facilities across the country in her quest to deliver Universal Health Coverage said the program will build Kenya’s need to manage a kidney health crisis and promote medical tourism from the neighbouring countries.

“The facility is aimed at facilitating the realization of the vision to strengthen health training, research capacity and provision of services to Kenyans, the East African Community and beyond.Besides,it will enhance the EAC’s competitiveness through a highly skilled workforce in the biological sciences,” she added.

The project comprising a five-storey regional medical school has 25 wards, laboratories, surgical theatres, high dependency units, consultation rooms and parking yards

According to the National Hospital Insurance Fund, dialysis is the single largest claim made to the fund.

In 2016, NHIF paid hospitals Sh839.9 million between July and December, up from Sh139.8 million in a similar period a year earlier — a five-fold increase.

Kidney disease is on the rise in Kenya and East Africa.Locally, it is estimated that by 2030, 4.8 million Kenyans will be suffering from kidney disease.

Across the globe, it’s estimated that 50 million people have kidney disease. 2.4 million people in the world die every year due to kidney disease. The disease is now the sixth fastest growing cause of death in the world

September 13, 2023
Marc Miquel visits Potterhouse School, acknowledges the immense talent in Kenya

Spanish UEFA Soccer coaches led by Marc Miquel on Monday visited Potterhouse School, an international school based in Runda where he had an engagement with the kids who are passionate about football.

The coaches introduced to the school players and coaches the Spanish model of football,in a move aimed at impacting positively to the wellbeing of ambitious program which seeks to further development of the game.

Following the partnership between Private and International School Sports Association (PIPSSA) Kenya and Coaches from Spain,the school landed a grand opportunity of sending three of its top players; Jesse Mutura, Tyrone Njoroge and Craig Kinyanjui to Tarragona based Nastic Soccer Academy in Spain where they will study under scholarship.

Besides,the trio will also train in a structured youth model aiming to assist them realize their potential in professional football.

PIPSSA Kenya Organizing Secretary Damaris Muthoni who was accompanying the Spanish coaches said that the association is keen on fostering good partnership with the world’s reputable football powerhouse with the aim of helping some of the youth to transit to professional sports players by giving them exposure to right training and international tournaments.

The three players will be training alongside Aldrine Kibet who stole the show in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games after inspiring his school St Anthony’s Boys Kitale to heroic exploits last month in Kakamega following their 2-0 win against Dagoretti High in the finals.

Head coach at Potterhouse School Gilbert Makokha expressed gratitude to the organisers of the event which he says will shape the future growth of local soccer.

“Thanks to everyone including PIPPSA for making this happen, it’s not a mean feat and we’ll fully capitalise on it.I want to thank the school administration and parents for supporting the football structures set by the sports department.This institution has a reputation of moulding professional players since Humphrey Kariuki, a former student of Potterhouse and a profilic finisher who was scouted and signed by Jupiter Soccer Academy, a professional football club in Barcelona, Spain” said an experienced local tactician.

Miguel on his part said that he was impressed by the passion and dedication he has seen among Kenyan youth working hard to excel in professional sports.

He encouraged Kenyan coaches in learning from Spanish youth soccer coaching model which has made Spain produce some of the best football clubs and players in the world.

September 11, 2023
Nakhumicha urges MPs to support health bills

Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S Wafula has urged the Parliament to pass the 4 crucial Bills that promote healthcare in line with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s pledge to aid achievement of country’s attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as outlined in Government’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Speaking in Homabay on Friday while inaugurating the campaign to eradicate AIDS in children by 2027, the CS said these bills usher in a paradigm in the legal and institutional framework for healthcare in Kenya by repealing the current National Health Insurance Fund and establishing in its place the following funds: Primary Healthcare Fund; Social Health Insurance Fund; and Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.

“I want to appeal to lawmakers across the political devide to put the interest of Kenya ahead and support the passage of these fundamental bills when it get to the floor of the house for debate. I agree with those who have raised a bit of concerns that we should have more time for consultation but generally it’s been an all inclusive affair with views of majority of stakeholders being captured.These bills have been developed from existing documentation and the existing documentation has been worked on together with other entities like CoG,” she said

Her sentiments were echoed by Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga who rallied behind the local legislators to advocate for the agenda aimed at impacting positively to the wellbeing of area residents.

Appearing in Parliament on August 31,Nakhumicha noted that once enacted, the Digital Health Bill will address existing legal and regulatory gaps in the framework for the e-health ecosystem and its data lifecycle.

Besides, the bill will enable the development of standards towards the provision of m-health, telemedicine, and e-learning in healthcare.

“The Digital Health Bill proposed by the Ministry will build on the existing Data Protection Act by establishing a comprehensive framework to ensure responsible handling, protection, and privacy of sensitive personal health data. It will also provide a legal framework for the establishment of a comprehensive integrated health information system and a Data Health Agency” she told National Assembly AD-HOC Committee while responding to questions pertaining to the activities of WorldCoin in Kenya.

The Cabinet, while meeting in Kakamega approved the Primary Health Care Bill, 2023; The Digital Health Bill, 2023; The Facility Improvement Financing Bill, 2023; and The Social Health Insurance Bill, 2023.

“This new architecture is expected to provide a framework for improved health outcomes and financial protection of families in fidelity to the State’s solemn duty to guarantee the health and welfare of all her citizens,” read the dispatch from the meeting.

The ministry is currently collecting views from various stakeholders on the proposed bills,an initiative that will see several interventions being identified towards the delivery of UHC.

Amongst the agenda is setting up of an emergency, critical and chronic illness fund which will go a long way in saving patients and loved ones from out-of-pocket payments when they deplete medical covers.

The move comes at a time when there is a sharp rise in chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, kidney and heart conditions, stroke, high blood pressure, arthritis and asthma.

Whereas the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has been handy to families and patients suffering from chronic diseases, its efforts have been curtailed by several challenges, among them inadequate financial resources and red tape bureaucracy.

September 11, 2023
Starlets kick start preparations for 2024 WAFCON

The Kenya Women’s National team, Harambee Starlets, has today, Sunday, September 10, 2023, kicked off preparations for their upcoming two-legged 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon.

16 players have so far checked into camp with the rest of the squad expected in camp later in the week.

The team is set to depart for Cameroon on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, ahead of their first leg match set to be played on Friday, September 22, 2023, in Yaoundé. Starlets will fly back home on Saturday, September 23, 2023, in time for their second leg match on September 26, 2023.

Should Harambee Starlets be the aggregate winners of the two-legged qualifier they will face either Gabon or Botswana in the second round, between November 27 and December 5, 2023.

The victor of the second round will secure automatic qualification for the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, to be hosted in Morocco.

September 10, 2023
Women in Migori urged to enrol for Linda Mama program

Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S Wafula has appealed to mothers from Migori County to register for Linda Mama program whose aim is to ensure pregnant women and infants have access to quality and affordable health services.

Speaking on Sunday while attending a church service and fundraiser at St. Mary’s Uriri Catholic Parish,Nakhumicha disclosed that the government has already set aside resources towards successful implementation of the scheme.

According to the Linda Mama Implementation Manual, 2016, the program was introduced to improve efficiency and enable women to access an expanded package of benefits; including antenatal care, deliveries, and postnatal care for the newborn for one year, as well as enhance access, equity, affordability, and quality of services.

“As government we want to tell you not to listen to anyone misleading you to shun the state sponsored development initiatives because when you do so it’s you who will suffer.According to stastics, Migori has registered low numbers for Linda Mama program yet we have prioritised massive investment in this sector.This financial year of 2023/24 we have put aside a whooping Kshs 4.89 billion towards the same initiative. So I want to call upon our good mothers to hurry up and grab this opportunity by enrolling as this will ensure that pregnant women and infants have access to quality and affordable health services” said Nakhumicha

Linda Mama provides a package of basic health services accessed by all in the targeted population on the basis of need and not ability to pay, positioning Kenya on the pathway to Universal Health Coverage ( UHC).

“This initiative is part of a strategic plan to achieve maternal and child’s health services, which will contribute to the country’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).It is a free health insurance plan exclusively for mothers and their newborns that eliminates financial barriers to accessing maternal care services” she added

It is a government-sponsored initiative that was introduced in 2013 as a health financing strategy to provide affordable maternal care. The package is run by National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), available in all NHIF-accredited hospitals, and primarily targets expectant mothers who cannot afford any medical cover, including NHIF subscriptions.

The program is part of the ongoing initiatives being spearheaded by Nakhumicha towards actualization of UHC set to be rolled out next month during Mashujaa Day Celebrations in an exercise set to be presided over by President William Ruto

“I want to be known as Mama Afya Mashinani so that anyone walking to any facility in this country can get services. That I brought down this heavy monster that people call UHC to the people” she remarked in a past interview

The Sunday event brought together a host of leaders including Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula, Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo,host Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita,his counterparts from Suba South and Kuria East Caroli Omondi and Marwa Kitayama respectively among others.

September 10, 2023
Antony to delay Manchester United return after assault allegations

Manchester United winger Antony has agreed to delay his return to the club “to address allegations” of assault made against him.

The 23-year-old was due back to training on Monday after being dropped from Brazil’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.

But United say it has been agreed with the player that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the matter.

Antony denies all the allegations.

“Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony,” said a club statement.

“Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday.

“However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.

“As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”

A police investigation has been opened following allegations of domestic abuse against his former girlfriend.

He is also facing further allegations of assault made by a woman in an interview with a Brazilian TV channel.

Antony appeared on Brazilian TV on Friday, saying “I never attacked any woman” and added that “the truth will come out”.

He issued a statement on Sunday saying: “I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me.

“This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction to my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club.

“I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully co-operate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.”

Antony has been accused of attacking his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin “with a headbutt” in a Manchester hotel room on 15 January, leaving her with a cut head that needed treatment by a doctor.

She alleges she was also punched in the chest, causing damage to a silicone breast implant, which required corrective surgery.

Antony previously said on social media about Cavallin’s claims: “I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made.”

Ingrid Lana, a 33-year-old banker, has also claimed in a short clip released by Brazil’s Record TV that she hit her head when “pushed against a wall” by Antony at his house in Manchester in October 2022.

Both Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo Police are looking into the claims.

Antony did not play in the international break after the Brazilian football federation said he had been withdrawn from their squad after “facts became public” that “need to be investigated”.

September 10, 2023
Homabay CHPs hail CS Nakhumicha for monthly stipend

The Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Homabay County have lauded the Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S Wafula for introduction of monthly stipend which they said will motivate them further in delivery of their mandate at the local level.

In a memorandum read by the group Chairman Ogutu Anyanga at the Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital on Friday,they said the move will provide comprehensive service delivery and sensitivity to the villagers on the importance of maintaining general hygiene as the country continues to recover from Covid-19.

“We want to appreciate the CS for the good job she’s doing at the Health Ministry because it’s prioritizing interest of majority of us who had been forgotten by the previous regimes. Under her guidance, we get renumerated monthly and this is an enticement that will boost our performance and create an impact at the grassroots level because a lot of people depend on us so we want to assure her that we will reciprocate her efforts and discharge our duty to our level best” he read.

Nakhumicha acknowledged the importance of CHPs for the link they provide between the community and formal health facilities,a crucial driver in advancing preventive health thus actualising Universal Health Coverage (UHC) which is expected to be rolled out during the upcoming Mashujaa Day Celebrations.

She said the government from October this year will further empower them through provision of smartphone and a bag fully equipped with a T-shirt, First Aid Kit, Growth Monitoring charts and educational materials.

“My office is committed towards supporting the work of CHPs and as a result we are bringing goodies across all the counties to help you dispense your responsibility effectively.Next month ,everyone of you will have a new phone and bag that will be equipped with requirements you need for adequate service delivery” she said

“The comprehensive responder kit provided by the national government will help the health workers to collect and record information daily. This will boost CHPs’ contribution to improving preventive healthcare instead of cumulative healthcare at the grassroots. This is what the mwananchi needs,” added Nakhumicha

This year,the government rolled a program of funding 11,000 community health promoters so that the delivery of health services will begin at the community level where a total of 100 households will be attended by one community health promoter.

President William Ruto said the community health promoter will be responsible for treating minor ailments to reduce congestion at referrals hospitals for patients seeking treatment for minor health issues.

“We have said health treatment will begin at the community level. Before you even go to the hospital, a community health promoter will be available in your community. We will fund 11,000 community health promoters across Kenya,” noted Dr Ruto.

Community Health Promoters is team which has already been trained and equipped to promote preventive and promotive health at the community level through provision of basic services such as health education, disease prevention, and treatment.

By nature of their job, they will be required to interact with the people at the community level and get the relevant health information that will help in referral and also policy-making at the national level.

September 9, 2023
CS Nakhumicha commits ending HIV/AIDS infection in children by 2027

The government has expressed commitment of bringing to an end HIV/AIDS infection among children by 2027,a strategy that will be vital in the reduction of infant mortality across the country.

Speaking at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay County on Friday while presiding over the ceremony christened ‘The Plan to End AIDS in children by 2027’,Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S. Wafula noted that while the global community agreed to aim to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030,Kenyan breakthrough will come three years prior.

“As a country we are putting in place stringent measures to prevent mother-to child HIV transmission and this is a move aimed at combating this monster by 2027 following my pronouncements ,while in Tanzania where I committed on behalf of the Governemnt of Kenya that we will continuously examine the glaring gaps to grow our resolve to end AIDS in children. Specifically, within the next three (3) years, as members of the Alliance, Kenya will implement a 4-point actions to bridge the gaps, and fast-track the progress of ending pediatric AIDS. These ideals are embedded in the Kenya Plan whose goal is to end AIDS in children by 2027 and
mother to child transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis” she said

While lauding the country’s significant progress where HIV prevalence among adults in the general population has declined,the CS emphasized on the government agenda of continuing to accelerate gains made towards ending the AIDS epidemic as part of the Sustainable Development Goals through various mechanisms including creation of a new data-collecting tool to track progress in current HIV programming.

However, Mother To Child Transmission rate remains high at 8.6% while treatment coverage for children living with HIV is 85% with about 74% of those on treatment virally suppressed

“We are now presented with an opportunity to remove technical and structural barriers that deny children an AIDS-free start — a better chance to survive, thrive, and fulfill their dreams. The impact of this initiative will reignite powerful ripples of hope across member nations and the world.Through partnerships and collaboration, over the last ten years, Kenya reduced new HIV infections by 57%, and AIDS-related death decreased by 68%” she added

Her counterpart from the East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development Rebecca Miano on her part revealed that regionally,Kenya is stable healthwise.

“Health is a very paramount docket and as a result I continue working closely with my sister CS Nakhumicha who has done a great job so far.Under my ministry, we have harmonized policies in East Africa through facilitating free movement of goods.From the appraisal that was done this year it was found out that Kenya is doing very well through robust mechanisms being put in place to promote affordable healthcare. Today’s event is a noble inauguration of policies and programs that will save lives of people we were appointed to serve” remarked Miano

Area Governor Gladys Wanga lauded the government for its extended efforts in collaborating with counties to promote delivery of health services to ordinary Kenyans especially at the grassroots.

According to Kenya Demographic and Health Survey report, Homabay has 24 percent prevalence in teen pregnancies while HIV prevalence is 19.6 percent, a vice she said her office will continue working with the Ministry of Health in taming it.

“We are very happy the Ministry chose Homabay as venue for this function besides offering their support to boost healthcare quality.2027 is not far from now hence we want to mean actions from the good words expressed here today.We are fully aware of how HIV/AIDS infection has been a big challenge in our County but we’re making strides in combating the menace through various avenues including total dedication to use of Community Health Promoters whom the good CS has embraced positively.In terms of teen pregnancies we want to reverse the situation. We want girls to cooperate and do what is right,” she noted

Acting Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth while directing County Governments to implement integrated strategies for testing, treating and management of infectious diseases,he emphasized on the ministry’s intentions to actualize Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“Our journey towards UHC has commenced and I want to laud this county for making great strides in ensuring that 9 out of possible total 10 deliveries are done in a health facility.I also urge the area administration to embrace Integration of outpatient departments, HIV Clinics hence enhancing service delivery,because with this model, testing for the treatment of diseases will be handled at the primary level by having patients, tested, and managed at the hospital level” he said through a brief speech

The National AIDS and STI’s Control Programme (NASCOP) which was established in 1987 to spearhead the Ministry of Health’s interventions on the fight against HIV/AIDS has been on the forefront in its plan to help the country make milestones in the fight against the scourge thus reversing the norm towards ensuring Kenya has healthy children.

September 8, 2023
CS Nakhumicha meets Governors ahead of UHC roll out

Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S. Wafula on Thursday met the Council of Governors (CoG) Health Committee to deliberate on a set of bills crucial for supporting the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a cornerstone of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Led by Committee Chairman and Tharaka Nithi county Governor Muthomi Njuki,the county bosses affirmed their support to the national government in its quest to working with devolved units to realise affordable healthcare.

Nakhumicha hailed the collaboration between the two levels saying it’s a step in the right direction ahead of launching of UHC.

She underscored her commitment to ensure that there is focused consultation between her Ministry and the County Governments in successful delivery of devolved health function.

“The collaboration between the Council of Governors and the Ministry of Health is key to improving service delivery in the health sector.Working closely with the Council of Governors, I envision us sustaining the gains made, while quickly and amicably resolving pending and emerging issues within the outlaid consultative frameworks, and sometimes, ad hoc interactions,” said the CS

During the end of last year, the CoG called for collaboration in order to improve service delivery in the health sector to ensure that the transition is well managed.

“The new administration has committed to building on the successes and achievements made in the preceding years to deliver on the devolution dream of bringing services closer to the people. We are also aware that we take up the mantle at a time when as a country we are having serious conversations around the sustainability of health financing in light of the declining donor support. County Governments together with the MoH, therefore, need to initiate the processes of managing the transition in specific health system pillars such as Human Resources for Health among others.” noted Muthomi Njuki

Today’s meeting is part of the ongoing program where Ministry of Health (MoH) officials have been meeting various stakeholders to give their views on the proposed Universal Health Coverage bills.

They include the Social Health Insurance Bill 2023, the Digital Health Bill 2023, the Primary Healthcare Bill 2023 and the Facility Improvement Financing Bill 2023.

Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerate the attainment of UHC.

“UHC aims at ensuring that all Kenyans access and receive essential quality health services without suffering financial hardship.In the plan, several interventions have been identified towards the delivery of UHC. They include provision of a fully funded primary healthcare comprising of promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services.” remarked Kimtai during his meeting with media partners

Others who attended the meeting include CoG Chairperson and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru,Busia Governor Paul Otwoma,Hillary Barchok from Bomet,his counterparts from Kericho and Vihiga Dr Erick Mutai and Wilbur Ottichilo respectively.

President William Ruto has remained committed towards UHC even as his administration goes beyond the traditional delivery of health services as a public good through a new funding plan that has been opened up to accommodate more partners.

September 7, 2023
Mieno rejoins Sofapaka

The immediate former Tusker FC captain and midfielder Humphrey Mieno has returned to the 2009 Kenya Premier League champions Sofapaka weeks after parting ways with the Brewers following an 8-year stay with the club.

Mieno,ex national team Harambee Stars player who featured for David Ouma coached side in 2011 and 2012-2014 is expected to strengthen ‘Batoto Ba Mungu’ midfield department owing to his wealth of experience and proven track record.

“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of the evergreen midfield maestro Humphrey Mieno from Tusker FC.Karibu Batoto Ba Mungu Hum” A brief statement on the club socials read.

Besides Sofapaka and Tusker FC locally, the stylish footballer and 33 year-old has also featured for other sides including record Premier League champions Gor Mahia and their arch-rivals AFC Leopards.

Overseas,the towering player has offered services for Tanzanian side Azam FC,Club Africain of Tunisia and St George of Ethiopia.

The Ziwani-born star, was instrumental to
the Ruaraka-based club after helping them win the 2022–23 Premier League title under his captaincy.

Upon his departure, Robert Matano’s charges was full of praise for a player considered by his teammates as a gentle soul.

“Words will never be enough to say thank you to this great gentleman of the game. A gentle giant on and off the pitch, our skipper, Humphrey Mieno, leaves the club after the expiration of his contract.

“We wish our skipper all the best in his new adventure,” Tusker said in a statement.

Earlier last month,Sofapaka paraded their new signings among them Burundian striker Fiston Abdul Razak who equally returned to the club after eight years.

“I had an offer from Kuwait with a bigger salary than what I am getting here in Sofapaka. I also had an offer from Saudi Arabia’s second division as well as a club in Lebanon, but I decided to come back here because this is like family to me,” Razak was quoted as saying by a local media outlet.

Other notable names who joined the team include Daniel Otieno and Khalid Jumaan from Mathare United, Ian Simiyu from Nzoia Sugar FC, Darius Msagha from Bandari FC, and John Ndirangu, who was recently with Kenya Police FC last season.

September 6, 2023