Over 2,700 Garissa residents benefit from free medical camp

More than 2,700 residents of Garissa have benefited from free medical services after the M-Pesa Foundation rolled out a large-scale health camp during the 2026 Devolution Sensitisation Week, offering specialist treatment, screenings and health education to thousands.

The outreach programme, organised in partnership with the Garissa County Government, Zuri Health and other stakeholders, attracted huge crowds seeking services ranging from specialist consultations, laboratory tests and X-rays to dental care, paediatric treatment, mental health support and health education.

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Many residents hailed the initiative, saying it had provided life-changing healthcare to families that would otherwise be unable to afford treatment. They also appealed for similar programmes to be held regularly across the county.

For Hussie Mohamed, the camp brought renewed hope after his mother finally received treatment for a long-standing eye condition.

"My mother has been struggling with an eye problem for quite some time, but today she was examined and received the medical attention she desperately needed. We are very grateful to the M-Pesa Foundation and all the partners who organised this camp. Many families like ours cannot always afford specialised treatment, so this initiative has made a real difference in our lives," he said.

Another beneficiary, Fatuma Sharif, said she underwent several health screenings and was relieved after doctors confirmed she was in good health.

"I was screened for different health conditions and the doctors told me that I am healthy. These are tests that would normally cost me money at a hospital, but today I received them free of charge. I sincerely thank the organisers for bringing these services to Garissa because they have helped many people who would otherwise have postponed seeking medical care due to the cost," she said.

Speaking after touring the camp, M-Pesa Foundation Trustee Ambassador Engineer Mahboub Maalim said investing in healthcare is essential to national development, noting that the initiative demonstrated the impact of partnerships in expanding access to quality medical services.

He disclosed that the M-Pesa Foundation has invested about Sh1.1 billion in development projects across Garissa County, with approximately Sh169 million channelled into strengthening the health sector.

Maalim said the medical camp was made possible through collaboration among several partners and expressed satisfaction with the turnout.

"On the sidelines of the 2026 Devolution Sensitisation Week, we have established this comprehensive medical camp, and I am impressed by both the quality of services being offered and the overwhelming response from residents. More than 2,700 patients have already been attended to and we expect the number to surpass 3,000 by the end of the exercise," he said.

He noted that the camp had effectively brought together an almost complete healthcare system in one location by offering services ranging from dental and paediatric care to radiology, laboratory testing and mental health support.

Garissa County Executive Committee Member for Health Ahmednadhir Omar said the success of the initiative highlighted the importance of partnerships in improving healthcare delivery, particularly in pastoralist communities where many people delay seeking treatment until outreach programmes become available.

"This is the true spirit of service to humanity. Partnership is one of the key pillars of a strong health system, and what we are witnessing here is clear evidence of how collaboration strengthens service delivery," Omar said.

He added that while healthcare is a devolved function, county governments require support from development partners, the private sector and the national government to adequately meet growing health needs.

Council of Governors Chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi commended all institutions that supported the week's activities, saying the free medical camp demonstrated the true value of devolution by taking essential services directly to wananchi.

He said the event reflected the conference theme, "Devolution for Better Health, Empowered Communities," by enabling thousands of residents to access free health screening, specialist consultations, health education and referrals.

Abdullahi urged continued collaboration between the national and county governments, development partners, civil society and the private sector, saying stronger partnerships are key to improving service delivery and ensuring all Kenyans benefit from quality public services regardless of where they live.