Clean homes! Kiambu launches Epuka Uchafu health initiative

The Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani public health initiative is officially taking root in Kiambu county as the latest phase of the national rollout begins, running from January 27 to 30.

As part of the activation, the Ministry of Health’s Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, in partnership with county and national government agencies, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, visited the county commissioner and governor to strengthen intergovernmental collaboration.

The initiative, first launched on August 23, 2024, in West Pokot county, has so far been rolled out in 11 counties nationwide.

Its key achievements include the training of county technical teams and the establishment of county multisectoral steering committees for Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani. These committees are tasked with coordinating implementation and ensuring the sustainability of the programme at the county level. Kiambu becomes the 13th county to adopt the initiative.

Speaking during the activation, Kiambu County Director of Health Hillary Kagwa said the programme is a major boost to preventive and promotive health efforts.

“This initiative enhances health through personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and access to safe water. It empowers communities to make informed choices that help us sustain a healthy population,” Kagwa said.

Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni underscored the importance of cleanliness as a shared social responsibility and a public health priority.

“Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani is about restoring cleanliness as a core social value. A clean home, a clean neighbourhood, and a clean environment form the first line of defence against preventable diseases,” Muthoni said.

The initiative seeks to promote hygiene, sanitation, and environmental cleanliness at both household and community levels, with the aim of preventing sanitation-related diseases and fostering sustainable healthy living.

Director of Public Health and Sanitation Peter Ndungu noted that public health systems often deal with the consequences of poor sanitation rather than prevention.

“We are usually the recipients of problems. This initiative allows us to address the root causes by focusing on prevention,” Ndungu said.

Water security also featured prominently in the discussions. The Ministry of Water and Sanitation highlighted the completion of the Ndarugu Dam, which now supplies safe water to residents of Thika and Juja. Plans are also underway to construct additional dams, analyse rainfall patterns and promote rainwater harvesting to ensure consistent access to safe water, particularly in Kiambu county.

Participants also raised concerns over drug and substance abuse, terming it a growing public health and national security challenge. Stakeholders called for coordinated interventions under the initiative to curb drug abuse, monitor progress, sustain gains, reduce the economic burden on the health sector, and enhance inter-agency coordination.

The activation culminates on Friday with a major environmental clean-up and tree-planting exercise at Ruiru Stadium. The event, led by PS Muthoni, will be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Education to mark the successful activation of the initiative.