Healthcare concerns dominated a public participation forum in Marafa, Magarini Sub-County, where Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro directed county hospitals to provide emergency services unconditionally. The forum, part of the County Mashinani initiative, brought together residents, county officials, and healthcare workers to discuss service delivery challenges and improve accountability in devolved government programs. Residents raised concerns over frequent system failures in the Social Health Authority system, which have delayed treatment for patients, including those requiring urgent medical attention.
A resident, Sharon Baya, acknowledged the benefits of the Social Health Authority but expressed concern that system failures had delayed treatment for patients. She cited instances where patients in critical condition had reportedly lost their lives while waiting for hospital systems to become operational. Baya urged the county to address the issue, saying that patients should not be turned away due to system failures.
Responding to the concerns, County Chief Officer for Health Dr. David Mulewa said instructions had already been issued to healthcare workers not to turn away patients requiring emergency medical attention. He assured residents that the county was working to address the challenges affecting access to healthcare. Governor Mung'aro reinforced the directive, ordering senior county health officials to communicate formally to all doctors and healthcare practitioners that emergency services must be provided without waiting for Social Health Authority system approvals.
Governor Mung'aro emphasized that patients' lives must take priority over administrative and technological challenges. He assured residents that the county would address the concerns raised and work to improve healthcare services. The governor's directive aims to ensure that patients receive timely medical attention, even in cases where the Social Health Authority system is not functioning.
The County Mashinani initiative brings county leadership closer to residents to collect feedback, identify service delivery challenges, and improve accountability in devolved government programs. The initiative has provided a platform for residents to express their concerns and suggestions on how to improve healthcare services in the county. By engaging with residents, the county aims to deliver more effective and responsive healthcare services.
In a related development, County Secretary and County Executive Committee Member for Finance Philip Charo announced that Community Health Promoters would begin receiving monthly salaries alongside other county employees from November 2026. The announcement was welcomed as a boost to community-level healthcare delivery and recognition of the important role played by Community Health Promoters in connecting households to health services.
The decision to provide emergency services unconditionally and the announcement of monthly salaries for Community Health Promoters demonstrate the county's commitment to improving healthcare services. By prioritizing patients' needs and investing in community-level healthcare, the county aims to enhance healthcare delivery and reduce mortality rates. The governor's directive and the announcement on Community Health Promoters' salaries are expected to have a positive impact on healthcare services in Kilifi County.
Key points
- Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro directs county hospitals to provide emergency services regardless of disruptions to the Social Health Authority system.
- The governor's directive aims to ensure that patients receive timely medical attention, even in cases where the Social Health Authority system is not functioning.
- Community Health Promoters will begin receiving monthly salaries alongside other county employees from November 2026.
