𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝑵𝒛𝒐𝒊𝒂 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒂 𝑩𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒅𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒚𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑹𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆.

Trans Nzoia County Government has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting persons living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, during celebrations to mark World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day held today in Kitale. The event, themed “Accelerated Action for Spina Hydrocephalus: Progress and Challenge”, brought together stakeholders from government, faith-based organisations, and the health sector.

County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation, Christopher Kerio Lorot, lauded the efforts of Bethany Kids and the local community in championing the rights and wellbeing of affected individuals. “We have witnessed incredible progress in medical treatments and rehabilitation, leading to longer, healthier lives for those living with Spina Bifida,” said Lorot.

He announced that the County will facilitate specialized training to enhance early intervention and prevention efforts. “Despite these advances, we must address systemic inequalities in healthcare access. Everyone, regardless of background, deserves quality care,” he added.

Lorot outlined three priority areas for the County, investing in maternal and newborn health services, supporting community-based organizations, and tackling social and economic factors that drive health inequities. “This means ensuring that legislation and policies support the health rights of women and children and promote disability inclusion,” he said.

The County has already trained over 30 multidisciplinary healthcare workers to provide person-centered care and is identifying vulnerable individuals to benefit from the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme. Lorot also called for the development of a County Disability Policy to guide future interventions.

ACK Bishop of Kitale Diocese, Dr Emmanuel Chemengich, emphasized the Church’s role in promoting health, education, and spiritual wellbeing. “We must sensitise the community on the causes of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and encourage families to seek professional support,” said Chemengich. He urged the government to ease importation of assistive devices like wheelchairs and called for cash transfers to caregivers of children with disabilities. 

“Let us start with those who are already caring for these children before giving money to those without jobs,” he said.

Bethany Kids Kenya Director, David Ng’ang’a, highlighted the organization’s work in surgery, rehabilitation, and provision of assistive devices. “We are currently following up on 4,500 cases, but the country has over 8,000 individuals living with these conditions. Many children are suffering in silence,” he said, urging more organizations and government bodies to intervene.

Ojiambo Opis, Chairperson of Persons Living with Disability in Trans Nzoia, and advocate Tom Juma, stressed the need for inclusive education and early intervention. “Awareness is important, but action is what will change lives,” said Juma.

They called on the County to operationalise the Governor’s Disability Care programme, which promises free treatment at the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Bernard Musioge, representing the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, encouraged parents to register their children to access government support. “Registration is key to receiving services like diaper distribution and other essential care,” he said.

As the event concluded, stakeholders echoed a shared commitment to building a more inclusive society. “Let us challenge stigma, promote awareness, and embrace individuals with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus as valuable members of our community,” Lorot urged.

The County Government, together with partners like Bethany Kids, pledged to continue working towards a future where every person with disability can live with dignity and access the care they deserve.