Elgeyo Marakwet has secured support from several development partners to equip its hospitals, in a move aimed at improving services.
Governor Wisley Rotich said the county continues to benefit from partnerships that are helping to bridge gaps in the health sector and expand access to quality care.
“It is through these partnerships that we have secured medical equipment, which would have taken us much longer to acquire, given the financial constraints we face,” he said.
He said equipping hospitals will enable residents to access specialised services closer to home, sparing many the cost and strain of travelling outside the county for treatment.
The governor spoke in Iten after the county signed a memorandum of understanding with Moi University and Ampath to deploy Point of Care Ultrasound (Pocus) technology across all healthcare facilities in the county.
The Moi University team was led by Dr Jeremiah Laktabai.
The equipment, which is AI-enabled, is expected to transform the diagnosis of breast cancer and lung cancer, as well as support obstetrics and general organ assessments.
“This will offer real-time bedside diagnosis, bringing advanced imaging directly to the patient,” Laktabai said.
Governor Rotich said 82 health facilities, including all 20 model health centres, have already been equipped with the devices, with the remaining facilities set to receive them progressively.
Those present during the signing included Dr Hussein Elias, the Pocus project lead, county executive committee member Monicah Rotich and chief officer Jeremiah Chirchir, among other staff.
In a separate initiative, World Vision Kenya has donated critical medical equipment to level 3 and level 4 health facilities to improve services for vulnerable groups, particularly expectant mothers and children.
The donation was made under the Reacts In project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, which targets maternal, newborn and child health in underserved areas.
The consignment includes 10 oxygen concentrators, 50 BMI weighing scales, five vital signs monitors and 50 IUCD insertion kits.
Governor Rotich said the equipment will strengthen emergency response, routine antenatal care and family planning services in the beneficiary facilities.
He said oxygen concentrators will support the treatment of respiratory distress in newborns and patients with severe conditions, while vital signs monitors will help in the early detection of complications.
Officials from World Vision Kenya said the support aligns with the goals of the Reacts In project to reach vulnerable populations with life-saving health interventions.
The equipment will be distributed to selected level 3 and level 4 facilities across the county.
Governor Rotich said the county has also deployed adequate personnel to hospitals to ensure residents receive timely and effective care.
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