New health facility launched in Suguta to boost service delivery

PETER GITONGA-KNA

The Turkana County Government has launched a Level II health facility in Kakiteitei, Suguta Sub-County, in a move aimed at improving access to essential healthcare services for residents in the hard-to-reach area.

The Sh9 million facility was officially opened by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation Services, Dr. Esekon Joseph Epem.

He was accompanied by Kapedo/Napeitom Ward MCA Willy Naliwo and Lokori/Lochodin Ward MCA Willy Napuyo.

Speaking during the launch, Dr. Epem noted that Kakiteitei has long been categorized as a hard-to-reach area, particularly in terms of access to health services, due to poor road infrastructure and recurrent insecurity.

“Kakiteitei has been one of the areas considered hard to reach, especially in terms of access to health services. We have brought in medicine and staff to ensure that from now onwards, the facility is fully operational,” Dr. Epem said.

To strengthen emergency response services, the CECM announced the allocation of two ambulances to serve the larger Turkana East block, including Kapedo/ Napeitom and Suguta areas.

“We have allocated two ambulances, one stationed at Lokori Sub-County facility to serve Turkana East, and another at Kapedo Sub-County facility to serve the populations of Lomelo, Napeitom, Ngilukia, Achemchem, and Kakiteitei,” he added.

Dr. Epem also urged the new staff at the facility to prioritize SHA registration. 

The majority of the population has not enrolled, and with services now closer than before, registration for SHA is expected to increase and boost the county database.

Previously, residents were forced to travel over 60 kilometers to access medical services in neighboring Turkana East Sub-County facilities or rely on periodic outreaches and emergency interventions.

Area MCA Willy Naliwo acknowledged that the people of Kakiteitei have faced longstanding challenges, not only in accessing healthcare but also water, sanitation and security services.

“With the facility now fully functional, that is one problem solved. We are a step closer towards ensuring people have access to essential services closer to them than before,” he said.

Margaret Abei, the Sub-County Public Health Nurse for Kapedo/Napeitom, described the operationalisation of the Kakiteitei facility as a major boost for the local population, particularly women and children.

“This facility will be a game changer. Residents can now access services from here, especially mothers and children who previously couldn’t due to insecurity while traveling long distances in search of medical services,” she said.

The new facility is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare and enhance service delivery for communities in Kakiteitei and surrounding areas.

Also present at the event were County Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Agnes Mana; Director and Deputy Director for Community Health Services Dr. Lolepo Joseph and Jonathan Longiti; County Primary Healthcare representative.