Siaya, Kenya, Nov 8 — Hundreds of residents in Chianda, Siaya County, have received free medical services during a health outreach camp organised by the Ministry of Health, in a push to bring essential care closer to communities under the Government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
The day-long medical camp offered general consultations, dental and eye check-ups, cancer and STI screenings, laboratory tests, and mental health support. Health officials said the initiative reflects the government’s growing focus on preventive care, early detection, and community-level health strengthening.
Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga, urged residents to take full advantage of the programme, saying it embodies the spirit of UHC reforms.
“Universal Health Coverage is about bringing services to the people,” Dr. Oluga said. “No one should be left behind, regardless of where they live.”
The outreach comes as Kenya rolls out major health system reforms aimed at expanding access, reducing out-of-pocket spending, and improving service delivery.
As part of the reforms, the government has deployed thousands of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) across the country, equipped with digital tools to link households to nearby health facilities and deliver basic preventive services at the community level.
The Ministry of Health has also been scaling up disease screening campaigns for cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health to tackle the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. Officials noted that mobile outreach clinics have become crucial, especially in rural areas where access to hospitals and specialised care remains limited.
Additionally, the rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the Primary Health Care Fund is expected to reduce financial barriers to treatment and improve funding for local facilities.
According to ministry officials, such outreach efforts are vital in bridging service gaps during the transition to the new system and ensuring that underserved communities continue to receive quality healthcare.
The Chianda medical camp is one of several similar initiatives currently underway across the country, as the government accelerates preventive healthcare and works to rebuild public confidence in Kenya’s primary health services — a cornerstone of the national UHC roadmap.
