Day: September 14, 2024

The Jijenge Youth Organisation (JYO), in collaboration with the Kisumu Bike Club, Unplugged Thinker, and Kisumu Wellness Cyclists, organised a Suicide Awareness Ride aimed at raising awareness about mental health and preventing suicide.

The event, held on Saturday, saw the participation of over 100 individuals aged between 18 and 35, all united in addressing the growing suicide crisis and promoting a more supportive society.

Tom Ogallo, an official from JYO, explained that the increasing number of suicide cases, particularly among the youth, inspired the organisations to launch the awareness ride campaign.

He emphasised that global awareness of mental health has been on the rise, with more countries recognising the need for mental health care. Ogallo added that increased dialogue is crucial in reducing the stigma associated with suicide and that the implementation of mental health policies is helping to curb the issue.

In Kisumu County, the most prevalent factors contributing to mental health challenges i
nclude poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, and limited access to mental health services. Ogallo noted that these issues are further compounded by cultural stigmas, which often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.

Eliud Anan, Director of Jijenge Youth Organisation, highlighted the lack of mental health services in Kisumu, where existing facilities are often under-resourced and lack trained professionals.

‘Improving these services requires investment in mental health infrastructure, the training of more healthcare workers, and an increase in public awareness campaigns,’ Anan said.

He also mentioned that they use alternative therapies, such as music, drawing, and cycling, to address mental health concerns in the region.

‘Youth in Kisumu face challenges like unemployment, pressure to succeed, substance abuse, and a lack of access to counselling services,’ Anan added.

Sarafina Ambale, a representative from the Eagle Wings Organisation, stressed the need for mental health education to be in
tegrated into schools and workplaces to address the issue and reduce stigma.

She acknowledged that while progress is being made, mental health education is still not fully embedded in these institutions. Ambale advocated for more education on mental health to provide early support and promote understanding and empathy for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

In Kisumu, as in many other communities, cultural beliefs and attitudes surrounding suicide contribute to the stigma. Educating the community about the realities of mental health and suicide is essential in fostering a more empathetic and supportive environment.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Jijenge Youth Organisation (JYO), in collaboration with the Kisumu Bike Club, Unplugged Thinker, and Kisumu Wellness Cyclists, organised a Suicide Awareness Ride aimed at raising awareness about mental health and preventing suicide.

The event, held on Saturday, saw the participation of over 100 individuals aged between 18 and 35, all united in addressing the growing suicide crisis and promoting a more supportive society.

Tom Ogallo, an official from JYO, explained that the increasing number of suicide cases, particularly among the youth, inspired the organisations to launch the awareness ride campaign.

He emphasised that global awareness of mental health has been on the rise, with more countries recognising the need for mental health care. Ogallo added that increased dialogue is crucial in reducing the stigma associated with suicide and that the implementation of mental health policies is helping to curb the issue.

In Kisumu County, the most prevalent factors contributing to mental health challenges i
nclude poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, and limited access to mental health services. Ogallo noted that these issues are further compounded by cultural stigmas, which often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.

Eliud Anan, Director of Jijenge Youth Organisation, highlighted the lack of mental health services in Kisumu, where existing facilities are often under-resourced and lack trained professionals.

‘Improving these services requires investment in mental health infrastructure, the training of more healthcare workers, and an increase in public awareness campaigns,’ Anan said.

He also mentioned that they use alternative therapies, such as music, drawing, and cycling, to address mental health concerns in the region.

‘Youth in Kisumu face challenges like unemployment, pressure to succeed, substance abuse, and a lack of access to counselling services,’ Anan added.

Sarafina Ambale, a representative from the Eagle Wings Organisation, stressed the need for mental health education to be in
tegrated into schools and workplaces to address the issue and reduce stigma.

She acknowledged that while progress is being made, mental health education is still not fully embedded in these institutions. Ambale advocated for more education on mental health to provide early support and promote understanding and empathy for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

In Kisumu, as in many other communities, cultural beliefs and attitudes surrounding suicide contribute to the stigma. Educating the community about the realities of mental health and suicide is essential in fostering a more empathetic and supportive environment.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Jijenge Youth Organisation (JYO), in collaboration with the Kisumu Bike Club, Unplugged Thinker, and Kisumu Wellness Cyclists, organised a Suicide Awareness Ride aimed at raising awareness about mental health and preventing suicide.

The event, held on Saturday, saw the participation of over 100 individuals aged between 18 and 35, all united in addressing the growing suicide crisis and promoting a more supportive society.

Tom Ogallo, an official from JYO, explained that the increasing number of suicide cases, particularly among the youth, inspired the organisations to launch the awareness ride campaign.

He emphasised that global awareness of mental health has been on the rise, with more countries recognising the need for mental health care. Ogallo added that increased dialogue is crucial in reducing the stigma associated with suicide and that the implementation of mental health policies is helping to curb the issue.

In Kisumu County, the most prevalent factors contributing to mental health challenges i
nclude poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, and limited access to mental health services. Ogallo noted that these issues are further compounded by cultural stigmas, which often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.

Eliud Anan, Director of Jijenge Youth Organisation, highlighted the lack of mental health services in Kisumu, where existing facilities are often under-resourced and lack trained professionals.

‘Improving these services requires investment in mental health infrastructure, the training of more healthcare workers, and an increase in public awareness campaigns,’ Anan said.

He also mentioned that they use alternative therapies, such as music, drawing, and cycling, to address mental health concerns in the region.

‘Youth in Kisumu face challenges like unemployment, pressure to succeed, substance abuse, and a lack of access to counselling services,’ Anan added.

Sarafina Ambale, a representative from the Eagle Wings Organisation, stressed the need for mental health education to be in
tegrated into schools and workplaces to address the issue and reduce stigma.

She acknowledged that while progress is being made, mental health education is still not fully embedded in these institutions. Ambale advocated for more education on mental health to provide early support and promote understanding and empathy for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

In Kisumu, as in many other communities, cultural beliefs and attitudes surrounding suicide contribute to the stigma. Educating the community about the realities of mental health and suicide is essential in fostering a more empathetic and supportive environment.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The security, in collaboration with education officials in Busia, have launched investigations to unearth the circumstances that led to the fire outbreak at Nambale and Bukhalalire high schools.

Speaking to the press in his office on Friday, Busia County Director of Education James Ekaliyo said that the fire incidents occurred during morning hours when students had gone to classes.

‘This week and the other week we experienced fire incidents in two of our schools, Bukhalire Secondary and Nambale Boys. The security teams and the Sub County Directors of Education moved in to investigate the cases,’ he said.

Ekaliyo stated that the exact cause of the fire incident at Nambale High School has not been established despite the investigation team having interrogated a few teachers, support staff, and a section of students.

‘For Bukhalalire, the school Administration is suspecting one of the students, but they do not have enough evidence to pin him down,’ he said, adding that the matter is still under investigation
.

He further said that the two schools have remained calm and teaching and learning activities are ongoing smoothly.

The official urged all stakeholders to join hands in order to ensure safety and security in all schools.

‘We are conducting assessments in all Junior and Primary boarding schools to ensure that the safety regulations are adhered to so that the security of all our schools are up to date; dormitories have doors that open from outside,’ he said.

Ekaliyo encouraged boarding schools to have CCTVs in order to minimise cases of evil-minded characters torching the school infrastructure.

He at the same time reminded the stakeholders that the Education policy does not encourage any public meetings in schools during the third term so that candidates preparing for National examinations can have ample time to study.

‘We are ready for the examinations, and any teacher or school Principal who will be found to be abetting cheating or allowing learners to use orthodox means to pass exams will face the ful
l force of the law,’ he said.

No casualties were reported in the two fire incidents, a part from loss of property.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The security, in collaboration with education officials in Busia, have launched investigations to unearth the circumstances that led to the fire outbreak at Nambale and Bukhalalire high schools.

Speaking to the press in his office on Friday, Busia County Director of Education James Ekaliyo said that the fire incidents occurred during morning hours when students had gone to classes.

‘This week and the other week we experienced fire incidents in two of our schools, Bukhalire Secondary and Nambale Boys. The security teams and the Sub County Directors of Education moved in to investigate the cases,’ he said.

Ekaliyo stated that the exact cause of the fire incident at Nambale High School has not been established despite the investigation team having interrogated a few teachers, support staff, and a section of students.

‘For Bukhalalire, the school Administration is suspecting one of the students, but they do not have enough evidence to pin him down,’ he said, adding that the matter is still under investigation
.

He further said that the two schools have remained calm and teaching and learning activities are ongoing smoothly.

The official urged all stakeholders to join hands in order to ensure safety and security in all schools.

‘We are conducting assessments in all Junior and Primary boarding schools to ensure that the safety regulations are adhered to so that the security of all our schools are up to date; dormitories have doors that open from outside,’ he said.

Ekaliyo encouraged boarding schools to have CCTVs in order to minimise cases of evil-minded characters torching the school infrastructure.

He at the same time reminded the stakeholders that the Education policy does not encourage any public meetings in schools during the third term so that candidates preparing for National examinations can have ample time to study.

‘We are ready for the examinations, and any teacher or school Principal who will be found to be abetting cheating or allowing learners to use orthodox means to pass exams will face the ful
l force of the law,’ he said.

No casualties were reported in the two fire incidents, a part from loss of property.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The security, in collaboration with education officials in Busia, have launched investigations to unearth the circumstances that led to the fire outbreak at Nambale and Bukhalalire high schools.

Speaking to the press in his office on Friday, Busia County Director of Education James Ekaliyo said that the fire incidents occurred during morning hours when students had gone to classes.

‘This week and the other week we experienced fire incidents in two of our schools, Bukhalire Secondary and Nambale Boys. The security teams and the Sub County Directors of Education moved in to investigate the cases,’ he said.

Ekaliyo stated that the exact cause of the fire incident at Nambale High School has not been established despite the investigation team having interrogated a few teachers, support staff, and a section of students.

‘For Bukhalalire, the school Administration is suspecting one of the students, but they do not have enough evidence to pin him down,’ he said, adding that the matter is still under investigation
.

He further said that the two schools have remained calm and teaching and learning activities are ongoing smoothly.

The official urged all stakeholders to join hands in order to ensure safety and security in all schools.

‘We are conducting assessments in all Junior and Primary boarding schools to ensure that the safety regulations are adhered to so that the security of all our schools are up to date; dormitories have doors that open from outside,’ he said.

Ekaliyo encouraged boarding schools to have CCTVs in order to minimise cases of evil-minded characters torching the school infrastructure.

He at the same time reminded the stakeholders that the Education policy does not encourage any public meetings in schools during the third term so that candidates preparing for National examinations can have ample time to study.

‘We are ready for the examinations, and any teacher or school Principal who will be found to be abetting cheating or allowing learners to use orthodox means to pass exams will face the ful
l force of the law,’ he said.

No casualties were reported in the two fire incidents, a part from loss of property.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Turkana County residents have been urged to be vigilant to prevent theft of drugs and medical supplies from health facilities in the county.

Area County Governor Jeremial Lomorukai said this when he launched the distribution of essential drugs and medical supplies worth Sh119 million to health facilities across the county.

The consignment procured through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) will significantly boost the capacity of sub-county hospitals and dispensaries to provide quality healthcare services to residents.

Speaking at the Lokichar Sub County Hospital, Governor Lomorukai reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and delivery.

He emphasised the importance of the medical supplies in ensuring that residents have access to essential medications and healthcare services.

‘We are committed to preventing theft and ensuring that these supplies reach the intended beneficiaries.’

The governor urged residents to be vigilant and report any cases of theft or mi
suse of medical supplies. He also condemned politicians who have been spreading false accusations against healthcare workers, vowing to protect county staff from such baseless attacks.

Governor Lomorukai announced that the County Government will soon launch a series of development projects aimed at improving the lives of residents. He also emphasised the need for better coordination between county departments and National Government agencies to ensure efficient project implementation.

On security concerns along the border with West Pokot and Baringo, Governor Lomorukai reiterated his commitment to working closely with the national government to address the issue.

Leader of Minority Samuel Lomodo commended the County Government for the timely distribution of medical supplies and assured residents of the Assembly’s oversight role in ensuring that the supplies are utilised effectively.

Governor Lomorukai was accompanied by senior County Government officials, among them County Executive Committee member for T
rade David Erukudi and Chief Officers Cathra Abdi (Preventive and Promotive Health) and Dr Ezekiel Etelej (Medical Services), and Chief of Staff Peter Loyapan.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Turkana County residents have been urged to be vigilant to prevent theft of drugs and medical supplies from health facilities in the county.

Area County Governor Jeremial Lomorukai said this when he launched the distribution of essential drugs and medical supplies worth Sh119 million to health facilities across the county.

The consignment procured through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) will significantly boost the capacity of sub-county hospitals and dispensaries to provide quality healthcare services to residents.

Speaking at the Lokichar Sub County Hospital, Governor Lomorukai reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and delivery.

He emphasised the importance of the medical supplies in ensuring that residents have access to essential medications and healthcare services.

‘We are committed to preventing theft and ensuring that these supplies reach the intended beneficiaries.’

The governor urged residents to be vigilant and report any cases of theft or mi
suse of medical supplies. He also condemned politicians who have been spreading false accusations against healthcare workers, vowing to protect county staff from such baseless attacks.

Governor Lomorukai announced that the County Government will soon launch a series of development projects aimed at improving the lives of residents. He also emphasised the need for better coordination between county departments and National Government agencies to ensure efficient project implementation.

On security concerns along the border with West Pokot and Baringo, Governor Lomorukai reiterated his commitment to working closely with the national government to address the issue.

Leader of Minority Samuel Lomodo commended the County Government for the timely distribution of medical supplies and assured residents of the Assembly’s oversight role in ensuring that the supplies are utilised effectively.

Governor Lomorukai was accompanied by senior County Government officials, among them County Executive Committee member for T
rade David Erukudi and Chief Officers Cathra Abdi (Preventive and Promotive Health) and Dr Ezekiel Etelej (Medical Services), and Chief of Staff Peter Loyapan.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Turkana County residents have been urged to be vigilant to prevent theft of drugs and medical supplies from health facilities in the county.

Area County Governor Jeremial Lomorukai said this when he launched the distribution of essential drugs and medical supplies worth Sh119 million to health facilities across the county.

The consignment procured through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) will significantly boost the capacity of sub-county hospitals and dispensaries to provide quality healthcare services to residents.

Speaking at the Lokichar Sub County Hospital, Governor Lomorukai reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and delivery.

He emphasised the importance of the medical supplies in ensuring that residents have access to essential medications and healthcare services.

‘We are committed to preventing theft and ensuring that these supplies reach the intended beneficiaries.’

The governor urged residents to be vigilant and report any cases of theft or mi
suse of medical supplies. He also condemned politicians who have been spreading false accusations against healthcare workers, vowing to protect county staff from such baseless attacks.

Governor Lomorukai announced that the County Government will soon launch a series of development projects aimed at improving the lives of residents. He also emphasised the need for better coordination between county departments and National Government agencies to ensure efficient project implementation.

On security concerns along the border with West Pokot and Baringo, Governor Lomorukai reiterated his commitment to working closely with the national government to address the issue.

Leader of Minority Samuel Lomodo commended the County Government for the timely distribution of medical supplies and assured residents of the Assembly’s oversight role in ensuring that the supplies are utilised effectively.

Governor Lomorukai was accompanied by senior County Government officials, among them County Executive Committee member for T
rade David Erukudi and Chief Officers Cathra Abdi (Preventive and Promotive Health) and Dr Ezekiel Etelej (Medical Services), and Chief of Staff Peter Loyapan.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Jomvu MP Badi Twalib has called for collaboration between Private and Public Health Practitioners to enhance access to Primary Health Care Services.

Speaking today during a meeting of the Private Sector Primary Care Network meeting in Mikindani Ward, the legislator lauded the invaluable contribution of the private medical practitioners in the sub-county.

The USAID-supported programme aims to support the private sector so that it can align with government policies and complement what the government does.

He said dedication and professionalism play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of the community is taken care of.

‘In Jomvu, Private Health Care Facilities stand out in their commitment to providing quality healthcare services to my constituents. They are essential in bridging the gap between Public Healthcare Services and the needs of our growing population,’ he said.

He underscored the importance of collaborations between the Public and Private Sectors as vital to improving access to h
ealthcare services.

‘By leveraging the strengths of both sectors, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) aim to address systematic challenges, enhance infrastructure, and ultimately improve health outcomes for all Kenyans,’ he explained.

Twalib further stated that it is essential to recognise the important role of primary healthcare networks in the healthcare system.

‘This network serves as the backbone of accessible and comprehensive healthcare for our communities. By fostering PPPs, we can enhance these networks, utilising resources and expertise from both sectors to improve service delivery, thus creating a more resilient health system that meets the needs of all residents.’

He lauded the Private Medical Practitioners for their contribution to society, especially during industrial actions by medics in public hospitals.

‘Instead of competing,’ he said, ‘let’s complement each other in giving out those services.’

On her part, Phyllis Kemunto Jomvu Sub-County Medical Health Officer noted that there has been
a myth of disconnect between the public and private sector, and regarding the national policy, they are trying to embrace PPPs.

Kemunto said they have a forum that brings all private practitioners together to collaborate to improve service delivery that will improve health outcomes in the community.

‘Through this, we will be able to have a well-coordinated primary health care network, which will assist us in referral systems and other infrastructural support,’ she stated.

Source: Kenya News Agency