President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga are in Kisumu to launch the Universal Health care and several other infrastructure projects across the region.
Governors and other politicians, in the full knowledge that this was a moment to catch a glimpse of the camera and appeal to the powers that be as the hand shake deal effects continue to cascade to the people. It was not a urprise therefore to see them posting images on their social media pages.
Accompanied President @UKenyatta, DP @WilliamsRuto, ex-PM @RailaOdinga, Governors & other leader to Kisumu during launch of #UniversalHealthCoverage. Launch of the pilot study in 4 counties is a critical milestone towards achievement of access to free health services countrywide. pic.twitter.com/Gdvgjfs0jL
— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) December 13, 2018
It was a great moment for former antagonists to be seen hugging and holding hands especially in the morning at the Kisumu International airport as they waited for the arrival of the president.
Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko led the list of governors who attended the launch with his colleagues Mohammed Kuti from Isiolo, Anyang Nyongó[host] and Turkana’s Josephat Nanok.
It is my great pleasure to welcome the President H.E @UKenyatta, D.P @WilliamsRuto, Rt. Hon @RailaOdinga, Hon. @skmusyoka and a host of dignitaries to the great county of Ksm ahead of the UHC launch at ASK ground that will see our people access free medical services.#TichTire pic.twitter.com/qjcwugRqSL
— Gov. Anyang' Nyong'o (@AnyangNyongo) December 13, 2018
Uhuru seemed prepared for the politicians and especially governors as he challenged county governments to invest in proper human resources and continue allocating 30 percent of their annual budgets to healthcare.He also assured that the Government had made positive strides in the sector by introducing new policies for improved services.
The president cited the removal of user fees, free maternal healthcare (Linda Mama), equipping two hospitals in every county and providing insurance subsidies to over 200,000 households in the country as gains made so far. The UHC launched in Kisumu will see residents access free maternal healthcare, in and outpatient services, child healthcare, emergency services and community health services. UHC is a pilot healthcare project which will also be rolled out in other counties such as Nyeri, Machakos, and Isiolo.
https://twitter.com/SicilyKariuki/status/1073281381390798848
Machakos, Kisumu, Isiolo and Nyeri were selected for a pilot programme to cost Sh3.9 billion over what the counties have allocated for health services.