The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has launched free medical camps in three counties after hospitals were closed due to al-shabaab attacks.
The counties that are set to benefit from the free services include Garissa, Tana River and Lamu.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kirocho said the first medical camp was launched at Kotile and Masalani dispensaries in Boni Forest.
Mr Kirocho said the three counties have in the recent past been affected by al-shabaab attacks which led to looting of hospitals in the area.
He noted that the dispensaries will be offering free medical care under the expertise of doctors from KDF.
According to him, offering such services to the public will help strengthen the bond and trust between the community and security agencies in the area which will in turn improve security.
“Our main objective is to provide security. The residents are in need of medical care following attacks in the region which have led to hospitals being closed.
“We have dispatched a medical team from the KDF to areas where hospitals are closed. A good relationship between soldiers and the wananchi will lead to co-operation on security matters,” said Mr Kirocho.
Nearly all the hospitals and dispensaries in the Linda Boni operation zones have remained closed for over four years after medical staff fled the area for fear of attacks.