Kiambu residents have been warned against disregarding Covid-19 prevention measures.
Otherwise, they risk contracting the virus and the situation could be worse should there be another lethal wave.
Governor James Nyoro's wife Sarah Karanja said despite the vacation of the nationwide curfew that had been in force since March last year, residents must be wary of a possible outbreak of another wave.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Mashujaa Day lifted the curfew as he presided over national celebrations in Kirinyaga.
Karanja appealed for continued compliance with Health ministry protocols to remain safe. She spoke during a free medical camp organised by her office in conjunction with the Flying Doctors Society of Africa at Kimuchu Primary School in Thika town.
“It saddens me to see how people have jumped back to normalcy in total disregard for the prevention measures just because the curfew has been lifted. The virus is still here with us and we must strictly observe the prevention protocols so that we can be safe and prevent its spread.”
She called for personal responsibility, warning that failure to observe the measures will push the country back to lockdown, as well as the curfew, should another outbreak stage a health crisis.
Karanja at the same time urged residents to get inoculated for their own safety. “The virus has claimed so many lives and disrupted our country’s economy. We, therefore, must take every precautionary measure seriously to avoid further losses. The vaccines are available and it’s upon everyone to get vaccinated,” she said.
She also raised concerns about a surge in lifestyle diseases, especially diabetes, which she attributed to poor feeding habits and inactivity. She noted that the disease is also common among young people, unlike in the past when its prevalence was high among the elderly.
“We are worried to see that children as young as eight years are suffering from diabetes. I know it’s very hard for most Kenyans to change their lifestyles from eating processed food to eating traditional food, but it will be greatly advisable to monitor the eating habits, or else we will have a generation where everyone will be suffering from diabetes.”
Karanja also revealed plans to upgrade Makongeni health centre to a level 3 hospital for enhanced services. It serves hundreds of Thika residents.
Her sentiments were echoed by Kamenu MCA Raphael Chege who said the facility will later be turned into a level 4 hospital.
“Our ward is the largest in terms of population. To serve our people better, we have laid down plans to improve the standards of health services offered here,” Chege said.
More than 3,000 residents turned up for various services, including cancer screening. They welcomed the initiative and urged the government to conduct regular free medical camps as most of them cannot afford hospital fees.
They further appealed to the government to expedite the implementation of universal health coverage to boost access to essential services and protect them from financial hardship or poverty that stifles out-of-pocket healthcare payments.
