West Pokot deploys 346 health workers to boost rural healthcare

In a major stride towards improving healthcare access, West Pokot County has employed an additional 346 health workers, with a primary focus on strengthening services in remote and underserved areas.

The new recruits, comprising nurses and other critical health cadres, will be deployed to various health facilities this week. The recruitment is part of a broader county initiative to expand its healthcare workforce and infrastructure.

 Governor Simon Kachapin met with the hired workers on Monday in a forum that brought together recruits from all 20 wards of West Pokot County.

 The governor emphasised the vital role they would play in transforming healthcare at the grassroots.

 “You are joining not just a profession, but a mission—to ensure every resident of West Pokot, no matter how remote their village, has access to quality and compassionate healthcare,” Kachapin said.

 He urged the new employees to serve with integrity, compassion and professionalism, especially in areas where access to medical services remain limited. “The true measure of public service lies in your willingness to serve even in the most underserved communities,” he added.

 Kachapin acknowledged the persistent healthcare challenges faced by many families in the region and noted that the deployment of additional staff would bring much-needed relief. While the county has made considerable investments in expanding and equipping health facilities, he stressed that infrastructure alone is not enough.

 “Facilities need qualified and committed personnel to bring about lasting impact. These new appointments are a key part of that equation,” he said.

 Kachapin also encouraged residents to take full advantage of the improved services by registering under the Social Health Authority, which aims to offer affordable, accessible and consistent healthcare coverage. He affirmed that SHA is already proving effective in easing the financial burden of medical care for many Kenyans.

 “We are working closely with the national government to ensure all our health facilities meet SHA compliance standards and can serve our people more effectively,” he said.

 Currently, West Pokot has yet to reach 50 per cent registration under SHA. The governor said the county is intensifying sensitisation efforts through community health promoters and health officers stationed in hospitals to drive up enrollment.

 “Our teams are engaging residents at every public forum, marketplace and health center to ensure more people understand the importance of registering for SHA,” Kachapin said.

 The recruitment and deployment of these new health workers mark a significant step forward in the county’s commitment to delivering equitable and high-quality healthcare to all its residents.