Kiambu County Government has offered to give free National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) membership to all bodaboda operators in the region.
Speaking during the handing over of a Beyond Zero Mobile Clinic in Kiambu on Wednesday, governor William Kabogo said the decision follows the high number of motorcycle accidents in the county.
“Our health facilities are attending to so many patients with motorbike related injuries. Most of the riders cannot afford to pay for treatment hence the need to have them get NHIF membership to help them pay hospital bills,” said the governor.
Governor Kabogo pointed out that the Thika Referral Hospital wards were overwhelmed due to motorbike related accidents.
The Governor’s sentiments were echoed by the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta who asked bodaboda operators in the region to adhere to traffic rules to cut down the number of accidents being recorded.
Meanwhile, Imenti north MP Rahim Dawood has promised to support the Sh7.7 billion budget allocation to county governments commending efforts by Kiambu County in improving health services.
“We need as a national government and county government to work closely in matters of health. Our county is doing well in regards to health services,” said Rahim.
Responding to complaints over inadequate housing facilities for medical staff, the North Imenti legislator confirmed that the government had already released funds to all constituencies to build staff houses in every health centre.
He added that all public health facilities will be connected with electricity and good roads for easy accessibility.
He said he will initiate a bill in parliament for each county to have blood transfusion centres.
“Many women lose a lot of blood during childbirth so there is urgent need to have the services closer if not in each constituency and at the county level,” said Rahim.