At least 14,000 residents of West Imbo Ward and neighbouring areas in Usigu, Siaya County, are set to benefit from improved access to primary healthcare following the handover of a newly constructed and equipped Sh 31.3 million Outpatient Department (OPD) wing at Nyenye Misori Dispensary.
The M-Pesa Foundation-funded upgraded facility was officially handed over in a ceremony attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The investment is expected to ease congestion at the dispensary, improve patient privacy, and give residents access to a wider range of essential healthcare services closer to home.
Speaking at the handover, Edward Okaro, a Board Member at Safaricom PLC, emphasised the importance of bringing healthcare services closer to communities. He noted that access to quality healthcare enables people to work, support their families and pursue their aspirations.
“Poor health affects the entire community, including the work people do to improve their livelihoods and contribute to economic growth. This is why, as the M-Pesa Foundation, we are committed to bringing healthcare services closer to communities and encouraging people to make good use of these services to improve their lives,” Okaro said.
He added, “Health is one of our key investment areas because we believe that a healthy community is better placed to grow and develop. This is the kind of change we want to see here in Siaya and across Kenya.”
Okaro also encouraged residents to make use of available health services, particularly those supporting maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health.
The facility features a triage station, consultation rooms, a Child Welfare Clinic, an Antenatal Care room, a modern laboratory, a pharmacy and a dedicated children’s waiting area.
The Foundation also renovated the existing maternity wing, improved sanitation facilities and undertook landscaping to create a more conducive environment for patients and healthcare workers.
In addition to the infrastructure, the facility has been equipped with essential medical devices and digital tools to support diagnosis, patient management and day-to-day service delivery.
The expanded OPD will also allow the maternity wing to focus on providing maternal healthcare services.The investment is part of the Foundation’s Uzazi Salama programme, which supports reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health through improved access to essential services, including antenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal care and child health services.
The programme also addresses the three delays that can affect access to timely care: delays in deciding to seek treatment, reaching a health facility and receiving appropriate care upon arrival.
The handover reflects the importance of collaboration between development partners, county governments, healthcare professionals and communities in strengthening local health systems.
The M-Pesa Foundation’s healthcare interventions include healthcare infrastructure, medical camps, fistula treatment, maternal and child health programmes, and technology-enabled specialist services.
