Ministry of Health Launches 'Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani' Initiative in Kisumu to Boost Household Hygiene

 The Ministry of Health has officially launched the 'Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani' campaign in Kisumu County, marking a significant step in promoting clean and healthy households as a cornerstone of preventive healthcare.

The initiative, spearheaded by the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, is part of a nationwide behavior change campaign designed to strengthen sanitation, waste management, and environmental hygiene at the grassroots level.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry during the launch, Mr. Benjamin Murkomen, Head of Port Health Services, affirmed the government’s commitment to rolling out the initiative across all 47 counties.

“We are committed to ensuring that every Kenyan home becomes a foundation for health and wellbeing,” Mr. Murkomen said.

“'Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani' is not just a campaign—it is a call to action for communities to take charge of their health through cleaner living environments.”

Building a Culture of Health at Home

Currently active in five counties, the campaign focuses on encouraging behavioral change around sanitation practices and household hygiene. It forms part of a broader government effort to reduce the burden of preventable diseases, especially those related to poor sanitation and hygiene, such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.

Mr. Murkomen emphasized that the success of the campaign hinges on collaboration between national and county governments, as well as meaningful engagement from community leaders, households, and civil society organizations.

“Health begins at home,” he added.“We must work hand-in-hand with local leaders, community health workers, and households to create clean, disease-free environments for all.”

Supporting Universal Health Coverage

The initiative aligns closely with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals by shifting the healthcare focus from treatment to prevention and health promotion. The Ministry aims to cultivate a culture of personal and collective health responsibility, beginning with everyday household practices.

“This campaign supports the UHC agenda by addressing the root causes of many illnesses,” Mr. Murkomen explained.

“By investing in household-level hygiene, we prevent disease before it starts, improve quality of life, and reduce the pressure on our healthcare system.”

Community Engagement to Drive Change

Local leaders and health stakeholders in Kisumu have welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and essential for sustained public health improvements.

“This campaign is a reminder that each of us has a role to play in keeping our homes and neighborhoods clean,” said a local community health volunteer during the launch.

“Change starts with the simple choices we make every day.”

As the Ministry gears up for national expansion, public health officials are calling on Kenyans to embrace the ‘Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani’ message and become ambassadors of health in their communities.

The Kisumu launch is the latest milestone in a growing movement that sees household hygiene not only as a matter of cleanliness, but as a fundamental pillar of national health security and dignity.