Mount Kenya University (MKU) marked World Oral Health Day 2026 by extending free dental care services to the community of Kapenguria in West Pokot County, reaffirming its commitment to improving public health beyond the walls of the classroom.
Through its Department of Dental Sciences under the College of Health Sciences, the university organized a free dental outreach at Makutano School on Thursday, March 19, 2026, as part of the global celebrations for World Oral Health Day.
The initiative was organized by MKU alumna Christine Semekal, CEO of Oral Health Mashinani and a graduate of the university’s BSc Oral Health programme, and was carried out in partnership with the County Government of West Pokot, Glow Foundation, Arrow Dental and the Kenya Red Cross.
MKU donated toothbrushes and toothpaste to over 2,000 beneficiaries, while community members benefited from dental check-ups, oral hygiene education and referral guidance for those requiring advanced care.
Speaking at the event, MKU alumnus and Oral Health Association of Kenya representative Musa Kiptanui praised Semekal’s efforts in bringing oral health services to one of the most remote parts of West Pokot County.
He noted that the initiative contributes to the realization of universal healthcare and the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
West Pokot Director of Public Health Benson Chumankemer represented the County Government at the event and commended the outreach for its emphasis on prevention rather than cure.
He observed that such interventions go a long way in reducing the overall disease burden on the healthcare system.
MKU Alumni Relations Director Virginia Kiunga, who represented the Vice Chancellor, applauded the alumni for demonstrating outstanding community service in line with the university’s core values.
She noted that the partnerships forged through this initiative will ensure that residents of Kapenguria and the surrounding areas continue to access quality dental services, reliable oral health information, early detection of dental conditions and guidance on preventive care practices.
West Pokot County, like many rural regions across Kenya, faces significant challenges in accessing regular dental and oral health services.
By bringing the outreach directly to a school setting, MKU helped bridge this gap and ensured that families, particularly school-going children, received timely screenings and practical advice on maintaining good oral hygiene.
The outreach also served as a valuable learning opportunity for MKU students pursuing dental and health sciences programmes, giving them hands-on patient care experience under the mentorship of seasoned faculty and alumni.
This aligns with the university’s mission to nurture health professionals who are both highly skilled and deeply community-oriented.
World Oral Health Day is observed globally on March 20 each year to advocate for better oral healthcare worldwide.
MKU’s active participation in Kapenguria reinforces its leadership in health education and its dedication to translating global health priorities into tangible local action.
Oral health remains one of the most overlooked aspects of primary healthcare, and initiatives such as this serve as a powerful reminder that preventive care and awareness can significantly reduce the burden of dental disease in communities that need it most.
