Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has presided over a Sh24 million resource mobilisation drive to support women’s groups under the Ijara Women Development Programme in Masalani Town, Garissa County. The event, hosted by nominated MP Ummulkheir Harun and Ijara MP Abdi Ali Shekhow, brought together women’s groups from across Garissa County. The programme focuses on empowering women in Ijara through economic opportunities and community development initiatives.
Duale commended the programme, citing the importance of economically empowered women in making independent decisions and contributing meaningfully to their families and communities. He called on political leaders and the private sector to sustain their support for initiatives that promote women’s economic empowerment. The CS also condemned the heckling of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the Linda Mwananchi programme, describing it as disrespectful to a statesman and elder.
During the visit, Duale toured Masalani Sub-County Referral Hospital, where he pledged to upgrade the facility from Level Three to Level Five. He promised to supply additional medicines to strengthen service delivery and provide 20 modern hospital beds. The upgrade aims to improve healthcare services and reduce child mortality in the region.
Duale also pledged to construct a new maternity wing to improve maternal healthcare and reduce child mortality. The new wing will provide expectant mothers with a safe and conducive environment for delivery. The CS’s pledge has been welcomed by local leaders, who believe it will significantly improve healthcare outcomes in Garissa County.
Nominated MP Ummulkheir Harun welcomed the CS’s support, saying the initiative would strengthen women’s economic empowerment in Garissa County and beyond. She expressed gratitude for Duale’s commitment to empowering women and improving healthcare services in the region. Harun also acknowledged the efforts of other leaders present, including Kenya Medical Training College Chief Executive Officer Dr Kelly Oluoch.
Duale was accompanied by several leaders, including Principal Secretary for Culture Ummi Bashir, Garissa Town MP Dekow Barrow, Tarbaj MP Hussein Barre, and Nyando MP Jared Okello. Other leaders present included former Garissa Governor Ali Korane, former Cabinet Minister Mohamed Elmi, and former Ijara MP Ahmed Abass. The event was also attended by members of the Garissa County Assembly, religious leaders, women’s representatives, and business leaders.
The Sh24 million fundraiser marked the conclusion of Duale’s health development tour of Garissa County. The tour aimed to assess healthcare needs in the region and identify areas for improvement. The CS’s visit has brought hope to residents, who are optimistic about the improvements that the pledged upgrades and initiatives will bring to healthcare services and women’s economic empowerment in Garissa County.
Key points
- - The programme focuses on empowering women in Ijara through economic opportunities and community development initiatives. - Duale pledged to upgrade Masalani Sub-County Referral Hospital from Level Three to Level Five and provide additional resources. - The event was attended by several leaders, including MPs, former governors, and Cabinet Ministers.
