Kericho residents have been urged to embrace Social Health Authority (SHA) the new medical cover by the government to ensure a healthier, more equitable future for all through comprehensive coverage and quality care.
Speaking during the Mashujaa Day Celebrations at Kedowa Grounds in Kipkelion East Sub-County, Kericho County Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo urged residents to apply for registration to the Authority as a member of the Social Health Authority as it covers integrated preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services at level 4, 5, and 6 health facilities.
The County Commissioner also directed the Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs within Kericho County to sensitize the benefits of SHA to the locals for them to benefit.
Kitiyo explained that some of the benefits of SHA include emergency services, critical care services, treatment and management of chronic illnesses.
Kitiyo also assured that all was set for the Grade Six candidates to seat the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), effectively replacing KCPE which was the primary school leaving test but this time round there would be no security officers manning schools when the test is in progress.
The County Commissioner also said locals at various locations will be able access tree seedlings to plant at their homes in a bid to attain the 15 billion trees target by the government a move aimed at increasing the tree cover to avert the negative effects of climate change.
“I also urge motorists to drive with caution observing the traffic rules to prevent accidents. I also urge traders along the highways to be mindful of their safety,” said Kitiyo
The County Commissioner also highlighted some of the ongoing national government projects within the county including the construction of Affordable Houses, ESP Markets, and upgrading of roads into bitumen standards.
The CC also read the president’s speech for Mashujaa Day Celebrations.
Kericho County Governor Dr. Eric Mutai who also graced the colourful occasion mentioned the heroes of freedom struggle who made incredible sacrifices contributing to self-independence including Kipchomber Arap Koilegen, Singoei arap Buigut, Chelangat. Mutai and Koitalel Arap Samoei among others.
“On this special occasion, we celebrate our homegrown athletes including
Faith Cherotich (Olympic 3000 M medalist and Diamond league champion), Beatrice Chebet, (Olympic double Gold medalist and Diamond league champion) and Ruth Chepngetich (the World Women Marathon holder). We also celebrate Edwin Soi, Ferguson Rotich, Sheila Chepkurui, Mercy Cherono and Paul Tanui for their past
excellence in matters athletics in their various fields.” added Dr. Mutai
Governor Mutai promised to make Kericho a health hub by launching the following flagship projects: sh158 million multi storey emergency and casualty unit which will boost our efforts to make Sosiot health centre a fully-fledged sub county facility.
The sh350 million modern Oncology centre at the Kericho County Referral
Hospital. The sh58 million Kunyak modern inpatient Ward Facility. The sh48 million Cheborge modern inpatient Ward facility in a strategic partnership with Safaricom.
And Kipkelion East Legislator Joseph Cherorot promised that this week he will disburse bursaries worth sh5 million to Form four-day school students in Kipkelion East.
“We will also distribute tree seedlings to 30 schools in Kipkelion East for planting. Each school will get at least 300 tree seedlings” added Mr. Cherorot.
By Dominic Cheres and Kibe Mburu
