The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety as a cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage, rolling out key initiatives including the Community Health Strategy, the Primary Healthcare Fund, and the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) to enhance early detection, prevent medical errors, and strengthen accountability across the health system. Speaking at the World Patient Safety Day Symposium hosted by the Aga Khan University Hospital under the theme “Safe Care from the Start: Preventing Harm in Neonatal and Paediatric Patients,” Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, emphasized the need to integrate patient safety from childbirth through early childhood. She acknowledged progress made in reducing child mortality but cautioned that preventable causes such as birth asphyxia, prematurity, and infections continue to pose serious challenges. The PS affirmed that safeguarding newborns and children reflects the true strength of Kenya’s health system and represents a vital step toward the full realization of Universal Health Coverage.
In her effort to lead the government in unlocking counties’ potential in tourism promotion and wildlife conservation, CS Rebecca Miano yesterday hosted Embu governor Cecily Mbarire to deepen collaboration for Embu’s tourism growth and wildlife management. The meeting affirmed the County as a “hidden gem” — from the elephants of Mwea National Reserve to rich cultural heritage and an emergent agro-tourism circuit — and agreed on concrete actions including convening an Embu County Tourism Stakeholders Forum to bring communities, business owners and partners into structured dialogue, co-create market-ready products, safeguard wildlife corridors, and improve site access, signage and visitor services.
Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno has said most of the environmental changes witnessed worldwide are a reflection of a decline in environmental quality, manifested through climate change, pollution, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. The PS emphasised that the environment is the foundation for sustainable development across all sectors, stating that any changes in environmental conditions invariably translate into impacts on health, the economy, and livelihoods. The PS spoke yesterday during the Enhancing Scientific and Policy Partnership for Sustainable Environment and Resilient Health System on the sidelines of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS-2) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting was attended by, among others, NEMA Director General Mr Mamo Mamo.
Vihiga County joined the rest of the world in marking International Literacy Day, with this year’s celebrations themed “Promoting Literacy in a Digital World.”
The event, held in Hamisi Sub-County focused strongly on protecting children and strengthening communities to curb child domestic labour, while promoting the importance of education for both young learners and adults. Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Ruth Lurete, who graced the event, delivered a message on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua.
The CS underscored the government’s focus on recruitment and infrastructure development to create more employment opportunities and support literacy programmes.
Narok Governor, Patrick Ntutu, has underscored his administration’s commitment to expand and equip Vocational Training Colleges (VTC) in every ward to allow children who drop out of school get a chance to gain skills for self-employment. Ntutu spoke when he launched a modern twin workshop at Nairagie Enkare VTC, where he asked parents to take advantage of the institution to enroll their children who did not get a chance to join institutions of higher like colleges and universities.
Among the courses that are offered at the expanded vocational center are; plumbing, motor-vehicle mechanics and electrical installation training.