First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has acknowledged the role played by religious organisations in improving the lives of Kenyans.
She cited the example of St Joseph’s Catholic Parish in Kangemi which has initiated programmes that have empowered residents from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The First Lady was speaking when she toured St Joseph’s The Worker Health Centre, Kangemi in Nairobi County.
She said for significant transformation to take place in the country ordinary people have a role to play in uplifting the standards of living.
She commended St Joseph’s centre for implementing projects that are restoring, rebuilding and renewing hope for the people.
“I am truly amazed by the work that you are all doing. I know that work is challenging financially. It is also emotionally taxing, it can be heart-wrenching and so I want to thank you all for volunteering to do it, and to make personal sacrifices in the name of service,” said the First Lady.
The First Lady pointed out that the commitment and self-sacrifice of the staff at the centre, has attracted the attention of many prominent people including Pope Francis who visited it during his papal tour to Kenya last year.
St Joseph’s centre offers various programmes which include primary and secondary education, vocational training and health services.
The project serves over 10,000 people and has had positive impact on the poor and the disadvantaged in Kangemi and its immediate environs.
She singled out the centre’s health services which she said were of high standards and affordable to the community.
“I thank the founders, partners, well-wishers and friends who have since the very beginning worked, and given tirelessly to ensure the health centre becomes what we see here today,” said the First Lady.
St Joseph Health Centre offers specialised clinics and maternity services and to-date it has made 150 safe baby delivery.
“Indeed, this centre is meeting so many needs of the children, young adults, mothers, fathers, and the elderly: the need for women to give birth in safe and sterile environments; for children to receive the much needed inoculations that keep them from contracting preventable diseases,” said the First Lady.
The First Lady called on well-wishers and the Government to come out and support the centre which is in dire need of an ambulance to handle the large number of emergency cases and referrals.
The administrators of St Joseph’s health centre also requested support from the government to upgrade its status as a health centre in order for the facility to be included in the national government programme of free maternal services and carter for the less fortunate in the area.
Principal Secretary for Health Nicholas Muraguri announced that as from this financial year the National Government will cater for health services of 2000 less fortunate people in every county through the National Hospital Insurance Fund.
He challenged all Kenyans to register with the NHIF whose monthly contributions are Sh500 totaling to Sh6000 annually.
“Approximately two million people become poor annually due to sickness and we can no-longer continue offering help through fund raising. What is required is for everyone to try their best and save Sh500 monthly to be registered with NHIF,” said Dr Muraguri.
Other speakers included Senator Beatrice Elachi, Sister in charge St Joseph the Worker Health Centre Sister Magdalene Mwaura, Father in charge of developments at the centre Father Angelo Dema and Westlands Sub-County Medical Officer Florence Namisi.
By PSCU.