Joy as new maternity theatre is commissioned in Cheptais

By Peter Ochieng

Residents of Cheptais, Mt. Elgon constituency in Bungoma have every reason to smile, after a new maternity theatre was opened at Cheptais Sub-County Hospital in a bid to reduce maternal mortality in the area.

The facility, jointly funded by the Kenya Pipeline Corporation Foundation and the Bungoma County government, is equipped to handle obstetric emergencies.

It is expected to offer quality healthcare services to mothers in the region, hence alleviating the burden on the county referral hospital, in Bungoma town.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Health and Sanitation Executive Committee Member (CECM) Carolyne Makali expressed gratitude to the Kenya Pipeline Corporation Foundation for their support.

She emphasized the county government's commitment to fully operationalize the theatre, besides addressing the shortage of healthcare workers.

"We are working tirelessly to recruit more healthcare professionals and ensure that our facilities are well-stocked with essential medicines," she said.

Rachel Gathoni, representing the Kenya Pipeline Corporation, highlighted the foundation's commitment to improving healthcare, education, and youth empowerment.

She expressed confidence that the Sh8 million facility would significantly reduce maternal deaths in the region.

Meanwhile, Bungoma County Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany has challenged youth to be innovative and entrepreneurial to create jobs, instead of being job seekers.

In an address during the Kenya-USA Global Launchpad Initiative (KUGLI) Innovation Summit at Kibabii University, Mbatiany spoke on the need for young people to think creatively to solve problems and tap into opportunities.

She lauded the KUGLI initiative for its focus on integrating innovation and entrepreneurship into university curricula.

On his part, Drew Giblin from the US Embassy noted that KUGLI seeks to connect academia with industry to create a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.