The Government has stepped up its national disease-prevention efforts with the activation of the Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani campaign in Kiambu County, aimed at promoting clean environments and healthy living at household and community level.
The activation took place at Ruiru Market, where the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms Mary Muthoni, emphasised that environmental cleanliness is a frontline defence against disease. She noted that nearly 50 per cent of illnesses are linked to environmental factors, adding that the initiative will be rolled out across all counties to reduce preventable disease and strengthen community-centred public health.
During the event, the PS inaugurated a 16-member Kiambu County Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani Multi-Agency Steering Committee to coordinate implementation, enforcement, and accountability of the initiative at county level.
Ms Muthoni directed public health officers to strictly enforce existing public health laws, particularly those relating to sanitation, hygiene, and environmental management. She urged wananchi to practise basic but lifesaving hygiene measures, including hand-washing after toilet use, regular bathing especially for children proper waste disposal, and maintaining clean surroundings.
She warned that poor hygiene and unsafe environments contribute to diseases such as cholera, bilharzia, and malaria, stressing the importance of clean markets, functional dustbins, and well-managed public spaces. On water and sanitation, she emphasised the use of safe drinking water and consistent toilet use, calling on county governments to prioritise and adequately resource public health services.
The PS encouraged early health-seeking behaviour and registration with the Social Health Authority (SHA), where primary healthcare services are provided free of charge.
Ms Muthoni also raised concern over illicit brews and narcotic drug abuse, particularly in Kiambu and neighbouring counties, warning that substance abuse destroys families, disrupts education, and increases the risk of serious illnesses, including cancer.
The Kiambu activation makes the county the 12th to adopt Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani, following Turkana, Nakuru, Murang’a, Tharaka Nithi, Kisumu, Migori, Narok, Kisii, Machakos, West Pokot, and Laikipia.
The exercise concluded with a market clean-up, reinforcing the message that clean environments are the foundation of healthy communities.
The activation was attended by Deputy County Commissioner Titus Macharia, Kiambu County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr Elias Maina, and County Director of Health Dr Hilary Kagwah among other county officials.
