Healthcare in West Pokot has received a major boost following the delivery of the county’s first-ever CT scan machine under the National Equipment Service Program (NESP) – Taifa Care initiative.
The state-of-the-art imaging equipment, delivered by a delegation led by Dr. Wilson Aruasa, advisor to President William Ruto and former CEO of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), marks a milestone in the county’s health journey since the advent of devolution.
“This is the first CT scan machine West Pokot has ever received since devolution. It’s a game-changer for diagnosis and treatment,” Governor Simon Kachapin said during the handover ceremony.
“For years, our people have had to travel long distances to access imaging services. That ends now.”
The CT scan, set to be installed at the Kapenguria County Referral Hospital, is expected to transform diagnostic capabilities, enabling timely detection and treatment of complex health conditions.
Governor Kachapin noted that the breakthrough was part of a wider strategy to improve healthcare delivery, which includes upgrading sub-county hospitals, expanding infrastructure, introducing new services, and hiring skilled personnel.
Recently, the county recruited 360 healthcare workers, including specialists and nurses, to bridge staffing gaps and align with national standards.
He also highlighted measures to maintain a steady supply of essential medicines, revealing that the county currently has no outstanding balances with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), ensuring uninterrupted drug supplies.
In addition, the governor urged residents to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA), a program he described as critical to cushioning households from health expenses while boosting county revenue.
“So far, 123,000 people have registered with SHA, and we are targeting 250,000. I urge everyone to register,” he said.
With 36% of the county budget now dedicated to healthcare, Governor Kachapin stressed the role of strong governance and leadership in achieving universal health coverage.
Dr. Aruasa commended the county’s efforts, urging leaders to make health a top investment priority.
“Let’s make decisions that support and benefit our people. There’s no greater investment than one in health,” he said.
With the CT scan installation and ongoing SHA registration, West Pokot is positioning itself as a leader in devolved healthcare, setting a precedent for other counties to follow.