With healthcare costs continuously rising, it might seem unlikely that a private health facility would provide free medical services.
However, this is precisely the situation at the Kakenya Health and Wellness Centre in Isampin village, Trans Mara West subcounty, Narok county, where vulnerable community members access treatment at no cost.
The facility provides free treatment to all children and young people aged 25 years and below, while senior citizens aged 60 years and above also receive care without charge.
The health centre has become highly popular among residents due to its subsidized services and was officially inaugurated on July 12, 2024 by Kakenya’s Dream, a humanitarian NGO established in 2009 by Dr Kakenya Ntaiya.
The center was created to guarantee that students sponsored by Kakenya’s Dream and surrounding community members could obtain affordable and quality healthcare.
Since commencing operations, the health facility has been serving a minimum of 2,000 patients monthly.
“Individuals aged zero to 25 receive free treatment at our facility, while those aged 60 and above also receive care without payment,” stated clinical officer Martha Nega, who is attached to the center.
She linked the high volume of patients to the increasing healthcare costs and the quality of services provided.
“Under the current difficult economic conditions, many people are drawn to our free services,” Nega explained.
“Additionally, we deliver quality care and ensure patient satisfaction through friendly treatment.”
She mentioned that patients with non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease also receive free treatment irrespective of age.
“Previously, many local patients with these conditions could not afford medication, which tends to be very costly,” Nega noted.
“Some would skip treatment for over two months due to insufficient funds for medication.”
In her view, the free non-communicable diseases medication program was introduced out of compassion for vulnerable community members, especially children, elderly individuals, and patients with chronic illnesses.
“Individuals qualify for free treatment after registering at our facility. After registration, they can receive care regardless of whether they are local or from outside the area,” she explained.
In addition to treating common illnesses, the center also offers care and counseling for girls rescued from early marriages, rape, and gender-based violence.
“We manage cases of girls fleeing female genital mutilation. Some survivors of sexual abuse seek treatment and counseling here because they feel secure and supported at the facility,” Nega added.
Lengetu Ole Sopia, 60, a beneficiary of the free medical services, stated that the health center’s establishment has been a significant relief to the community, particularly for students at the Kakenya Centres for Excellence.
“The girls no longer need to travel far distances for treatment when ill. The facility is easily accessible and has enhanced their safety,” he mentioned.
Ole Sopia further noted that he personally benefits from the free treatment as he is over 60 years old and resides in Isampin village.
“The establishment of this health center has greatly assisted numerous struggling families in the community, including my own, in accessing treatment,” he said.
Another resident, Karimaticho Kosencha, 68, mentioned she sought treatment at the facility shortly after its opening and was diagnosed with a mental health condition.
“I followed the treatment plan and counseling sessions suggested by the medical staff, and I eventually recovered. The healthcare providers treated me with kindness and respect,” she stated.
Kosencha recalled that prior to the facility’s establishment, sick residents had to travel long distances on motorcycles to get treatment, which was costly for many families.
“Those unable to afford transportation expenses simply endured their suffering in silence,” she added.
Counseling psychologist Joy Naserian, who works in the center’s mental health department, stated she handles numerous mental health cases involving both students and community members.
Part of her duty is to monitor the mental well-being of students at the two Kakenya Centres for Excellence, including those who have advanced to colleges and universities with Kakenya’s Dream sponsorship.
“We offer psychosocial support because mentally unstable children cannot concentrate in class or perform well academically. When students are mentally healthy, they become more productive,” she explained.
Naserian mentioned she also provides psychological interventions, psychoeducation, and counseling services to adult patients with mental health challenges.
“For severe cases, I refer patients for psychiatric evaluation,” she stated.
Registered nurse Phoebe Kakenya stated the facility offers outpatient services for common diseases, maternal and child healthcare, and mental health services.
“In the outpatient department, we care for at least 2,000 patients monthly for common conditions. We also provide maternal and child health services, including immunization, antenatal care, and family planning,” she said.