Poor roads hinder healthcare access in Kajiado, say residents

Maasai women celebrate the  Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) program, during the evaluation exercise in Kajiado county. Ethiopia based project donors from the Africa CDC and Mastercard Foundation are in the country to evaluate the one-going project. [Peterson Githaiga/Standard]

Poor road infrastructure in Kajiado County has been cited as a major barrier to accessing healthcare, especially in rural areas during the rainy season.

Residents say that reaching health facilities becomes a nightmare when roads become impassable. However, they are being encouraged to embrace the Multi-sectoral Approach Health Program recently launched to improve health and living standards.

County Health CEC Alex Kilowua said the Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) Program, developed in partnership with Africa CDC and the Mastercard Foundation, is aligned with the county’s Integrated Development Plan (2023–2027). He urged locals to support the initiative.

Speaking in Kajiado town after receiving a delegation from Africa CDC and Mastercard Foundation—who are in the country to evaluate ongoing projects—Kilowua noted that many residents have already benefited from the program.

He emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to supporting the initiative, which integrates human health, environmental services, veterinary care, and agriculture.

“The aim of this initiative is to strengthen health systems for long-term impact and to support the National Public Health Institute in fulfilling its mandate. We want to build a strong foundation so that, even when partners leave, we can sustain the gains,” said Kilowua.

He added that through the program, the county government has enrolled new Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to help expand the reach of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“The promoters have been equipped with tools to conduct preliminary tests before referring patients to hospitals for further treatment,” he said.

According to Rahab Amana of Africa CDC’s Nairobi office, the joint initiative with Kajiado County has been crucial in the COVID-19 response.

She said Phase I of the project focused on expanding vaccine access, improving health security, and building long-term capacity to handle future pandemics.

“Phase II will now focus on completing COVID-19 vaccination by integrating it into routine immunization, enhancing pandemic preparedness, and further strengthening institutional capacity at both national and continental levels,” Amana said.

Mary Mathenge, Project Manager at Amref Health Africa, said more than 5,110 health workers have been trained so far across Kajiado and Kitui counties, with over 4,000 residents reached through One Health talks.

“Over 5,000 school children have been educated on dog bite management, rabies symptoms, and prevention. We’re working to sustain the outreach efforts beyond the SLL program using SHA claims and other county resources,” Mathenge added.

She also appealed to the county government to improve road infrastructure to ensure easier access to health services.

“As we continue community engagement to promote positive health-seeking behavior and eliminate harmful practices like FGM, we urge the county to prioritize road improvements, especially for the rainy season,” said Mathenge.