High Court Suspends Directive Requiring Tourists to Buy Ksh 6.5 Million Health Insurance

August 25, 2026

The High Court has suspended a government directive that would have required every tourist visiting Kenya to purchase a Ksh6.5 million health insurance policy before being allowed entry into the country.

Justice Francis Rayola Olel issued interim orders on August 24, 2026, halting the requirement pending a full hearing of the case, which was filed by two petitioners.

The Basis of the Challenge

The petitioners argued that the Ministry of Health’s move to introduce the requirement conflicted with an earlier decision by the Ministry of Interior, which had already granted tourists easier entry into the country. Their lawyer told the court that the Health Ministry was effectively overstepping into territory that belongs solely to the Interior Ministry when it comes to managing foreign nationals.

According to the petitioners, only the Interior and Immigration Departments hold the legal authority to determine who may enter Kenya, under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act. They contended that the Health Ministry’s directive was therefore beyond its powers.

Their lawyer told the court that the directive amounted to the Health Cabinet Secretary directing the Immigration Department on a function reserved exclusively for the Interior and Immigration authorities under the Act.

The petitioners also pointed to practical gaps in the rollout, noting that there was no clear mechanism in place to administer mandatory insurance for arriving tourists. They further raised concerns that the ministry intended to handle tourists’ personal data outside the existing immigration system, warning that the rushed implementation risked hidden costs and potential legal disputes down the line.

The Directive in Question

The requirement had been introduced through Gazette Notice No. 11492, published by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on July 30. It mandated that all foreign travelers planning to stay in Kenya for less than 12 months hold a travel health insurance policy worth at least USD 50,000 — roughly Ksh6.4 million. Critics argued the figure would have made Kenya one of the most expensive entry points for tourists in the region.

The Ministry of Health case is not the only legal action targeting the directive. The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) had separately filed its own petition challenging the same policy. COFEK argued that the rollout bypassed proper public participation and lacked clear criteria for selecting which insurance providers would be authorised to offer the cover.

With the interim orders in place, the mandatory insurance requirement remains suspended until the matter returns to court for a full hearing on September 16, when the High Court is expected to further consider the arguments raised by both sets of petitioners.

Aga Khan University Hospital Performs Kenya’s First Robotic-Assisted Gallbladder Surgery

Kibet Tobias

August 25, 2026

Aga Khan University Hospital Performs Kenya's First Robotic-Assisted Gallbladder Surgery

The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH) has carried out its first robotic-assisted gallbladder removal, bringing robotic technology into a procedure that is already routinely performed through conventional keyhole surgery.

What Happened

The operation, medically known as robotic-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy, involves removing the gallbladder through small incisions rather than a large abdominal opening. It is a procedure commonly performed on patients with symptomatic gallstones and other gallbladder conditions.

AKUH said the surgery was carried out by its surgical team using a robotic system that allows a surgeon to control specialised instruments from a console rather than operating directly by hand.

“The robotic instruments have a greater range of movement and closely mimic the motions of the human hand, enabling greater precision and control during surgery. This allows us to perform procedures more safely,” said Dr. Abdulkarim Abdalla, chair of the hospital’s department of surgery.

Despite the name, the system does not operate independently. The surgeon remains in full control of the camera and instruments throughout the procedure, using a robotic interface that offers a three-dimensional view of the surgical field and a wider range of instrument movement than conventional laparoscopic tools.

“Robotic-assisted surgery builds on the benefits of conventional keyhole surgery by providing surgeons with a three-dimensional view of the surgical field, greater flexibility of movement and improved access to areas that can be difficult to visualise using traditional techniques,” Abdalla said.

How It Compares to Conventional Surgery

Conventional laparoscopic gallbladder removal is already considered minimally invasive, performed through several small abdominal openings using a camera and long surgical instruments. It has largely replaced open surgery for routine gallbladder removal and is associated with less pain and a faster recovery. In suitable patients, it can even be done as day-case surgery.

The evidence so far suggests robotic surgery does not necessarily improve outcomes over conventional laparoscopy for gallbladder removal. A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis covering more than 7.5 million patients confirmed that laparoscopic surgery offers clear advantages over open surgery, including lower mortality, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays — but found no meaningful difference in outcomes between robotic and conventional laparoscopic approaches.

A separate 2024 meta-analysis of 13 studies involving more than 22,000 patients reached a similar conclusion, finding that robotic surgery took longer to perform than conventional laparoscopy, with no significant differences in hospital stay, complications during surgery, or bile duct injuries.

This suggests the value of robotic cholecystectomy lies less in producing better results for every patient, and more in giving surgeons additional technical tools that may prove useful in select, more complex cases where precision and access to difficult areas matter most.

Why Gallbladder Surgery Is Needed

The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, and gallstones can form when substances within that bile become imbalanced and crystallise. Many people with gallstones never develop symptoms and do not need surgery. Problems tend to arise when a stone blocks the normal flow of bile, causing pain or complications such as inflammation of the gallbladder. For patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, international clinical guidance recommends early laparoscopic removal, generally within a week of diagnosis where appropriate.

A Broader Push Into Robotic Surgery

AKUH already offers conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy as part of its general surgery services and has listed robotic abdominal gastrointestinal surgery among its areas of focus. The hospital said the robotic platform will also support a wider programme covering surgical training and other procedures beyond gallbladder removal.

Hospital CEO Rashid Khalani framed the surgery as part of the institution’s long-standing role in introducing new medical capabilities to the region.

“Since our inception, Aga Khan University Hospital has built a tradition of introducing many healthcare firsts for Kenya and the region. This latest milestone continues that legacy. We invest in innovation because it enables safer, precise and evidence-based care for our patients,” Khalani said.

He added that the procedure marks the start of a broader effort to expand access to robotic-assisted surgery while advancing surgical research, training, and excellence across the region.

Questions of Cost and Access

The introduction of robotic surgery in Kenya also raises questions around affordability. Robotic procedures typically require specialised equipment, trained personnel, and ongoing maintenance, making them more costly in many settings than conventional laparoscopic surgery — a point echoed by a recent systematic review, which found robotic gallbladder surgery generally delivers similar clinical outcomes to conventional laparoscopy but at higher cost and with longer operating times.

For Kenya, the long-term significance of the technology will likely depend not just on its clinical capabilities, but on whether robotic surgery can eventually become affordable and accessible to a wider group of patients — and on surgeons building enough experience over time to determine exactly where it delivers the greatest clinical benefit.

Nairobi Rolls Out New Fees for Content Creators Under 2026 Finance Act

Kibet Tobias

August 24, 2026

Nairobi Rolls Out New Fees for Content Creators Under 2026 Finance Act

Nairobi County has introduced a fresh set of charges targeting players across the digital entertainment and creative industries, bringing filmmakers, content creators, influencers, and streaming platforms into its revenue collection framework under the 2026 Finance Act.

What the New Fees Look Like

Under the new structure, local producers will pay Ksh8,000 for each commercial filming session, while external (foreign) productions will be charged Ksh50,000 per shoot — more than six times the local rate. Religious and private filming will also attract the Ksh8,000 fee, and music-video productions will be charged Ksh10,000 per production.

Content creators running studios will pay an annual fee of Ksh40,000. Streaming and digital platforms have not been spared either: local streaming platforms will be charged Ksh100,000 a year, while digital content platforms will pay Ksh80,000 annually. Influencers hosting monetised events will pay Ksh10,000 per event.

The county has also extended charges to more established media players. Television stations will pay Ksh200,000 annually, radio stations Ksh150,000, and cinemas and theatres Ksh100,000 per screen each year. Online entertainment events will attract a Ksh15,000 charge.

A Wider Net for the Digital Economy

The new fee structure effectively pulls a much larger share of Nairobi’s expanding digital entertainment economy into the county’s revenue base, covering everything from traditional film shoots to influencer-hosted events and purely online entertainment activity.

One area likely to draw scrutiny is the gap between local and external filming charges. An international or foreign production will now pay significantly more than a local one for the same type of commercial shoot, a distinction that could shape decisions on where productions choose to film.

Concerns for Independent Creators

The structure could weigh heavily on independent filmmakers and smaller content creators working with limited budgets. Because the filming charges apply per session rather than as a flat annual licence, producers running multiple shoots could see their costs add up quickly over the course of a project or year.

Influencers are also being formally absorbed into the county’s revenue system for the first time, with monetised events now subject to a Ksh10,000 charge. This comes as Nairobi’s creator economy continues to grow, with more social media personalities generating income through branded events, online advertising, and digital entertainment.

Streaming services and digital content platforms serving Nairobi’s fast-growing online audience will now also carry an added annual operating cost, with local streaming platforms facing the steepest charge at Ksh100,000 a year.

Questions Over Implementation

The new charges form part of a broader push by county governments to widen their revenue bases and tap into emerging sectors of the economy. However, questions remain over how Nairobi County will practically enforce the new fees — including how it will distinguish between different categories of filming, identify which events qualify as “monetised,” and monitor compliance among online-based businesses that may not have a physical presence in the county.

For the creative sector, the central concern is whether the added costs could discourage low-budget productions or make Nairobi a less attractive filming destination compared to other locations. At the same time, the move places the county government at the centre of a growing national conversation about how Kenya should regulate, tax, and benefit from its rapidly evolving digital economy.

iToka Chapter 2 Brings Music, Art and Culture to Kenya This Weekend

admin 2025

August 24, 2026

iToka Chapter 2 Brings Music, Art and Culture to Kenya This Weekend

If your weekend plans are still looking a little empty, iToka – The Crossing is bringing its second edition to Limuru this Saturday.

The cultural festival, dubbed Chapter 2, is happening on August 29, 2026, at Eva’s Garden in Redhill, Limuru, with a lineup that brings together music, fashion, visual art and other creative experiences.

Unlike the usual music-only events, iToka is putting a bit more focus on African culture and storytelling, with creatives from different fields expected to be part of the day-long event.

Who’s Performing?

The organisers have lined up a mix of established and emerging acts for the show, which runs from 12pm to 8pm.

The performance lineup includes Addeh Prince, Nyawira Siren, iNala, Folk Fusion, Flow Flaani, Leting and CEDO.

Media personalities Aunty Jemimah and Kibunja will take charge of hosting duties, while DJ Maina Rada Safi and DJ J.Y. will be keeping the music going between performances.

It’s Not Just About Music

There will also be visual art displays, fashion showcases and a creative marketplace, giving attendees something to check out beyond the main stage.

The festival takes its name from the Gikuyu term iToka, traditionally associated with boundary markers or plants used to mark land.

According to Tuwashow Media founder Chira Njoroge, the idea behind the festival is to explore culture and identity while creating room for artists and other creatives to connect with audiences.

But beyond the fancy descriptions, the real test will be whether Chapter 2 can deliver the kind of experience that keeps people talking long after the

“Usiniite Sponsor”- Angry Uhuru Kenyatta tells Ruto

Kibet Tobias

August 24, 2026

"Usiniite Sponsor"- Angry Uhuru Kenyatta tells Ruto

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday made a light-hearted reference to claims linking him to the sponsorship of the Linda Mwananchi movement.

This was after supporters erupted in cheers when he mentioned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during the memorial service for former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale.

Uhuru was listing political leaders while stressing that the decision on who would become Kenya’s next president would ultimately rest with voters in the 2027 General Election.

He said Kenyans would be free to choose whoever they wanted as president.

However, the crowd broke into loud cheers and ululations when Uhuru mentioned Sifuna’s name, prompting the former President to caution them against fuelling claims that he was backing the Nairobi senator politically.

“Jameni chungeni, sitaki kuitwa sponsor,” Uhuru said, drawing laughter from the audience.

The remark appeared to be a response to the political debate surrounding claims by President William Ruto and some of his allies that Uhuru is financing opposition politicians, including figures associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Ruto has repeatedly alleged that Uhuru is backing politicians positioning themselves against his re-election bid, while describing Sifuna and other opposition figures as being linked to the former President.

Sifuna, however, has consistently denied claims that Uhuru is funding the Linda Mwananchi movement, maintaining that the group relies on support and contributions from ordinary Kenyans and other well-wishers.

Uhuru’s comments came during the 23rd memorial service for Wamalwa, held in Kitale, Trans Nzoia county, where political leaders gathered to honour the former Vice President’s legacy.

The brief exchange added a lighter moment to the memorial as Uhuru underscored that, regardless of the political leaders currently positioning themselves for 2027, the final decision on Kenya’s next president would lie with voters.

The former President’s “sponsor” remark is likely to add fresh fuel to the ongoing political debate over his alleged role in financing opposition activities, claims that he and leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement have denied.

Kenya Targets 40,000 Autogas Conversions with New Bank Financing

admin 2025

August 24, 2026

Kenya Targets 40,000 Autogas Conversions with New Bank Financing

Kenya’s Autogas market is targeting a doubling of converted vehicles to 40,000 as energy firms and banks move to make it easier for motorists and fleet operators to finance the shift from conventional fuels.

About 20,000 vehicles had been converted to Autogas in Kenya by the end of 2024, according to Proto Energy, which is now seeking to accelerate adoption through a new financing partnership with Equity Bank.

The partnership has introduced an Autogas Conversion Loan targeting motorists, taxi and ride-hailing operators, public service vehicles, small and medium-sized enterprises and corporate fleets seeking to convert eligible vehicles to dual-fuel systems.

Under the arrangement, Equity Bank will provide financing while Proto Energy, through its OTOGAS business, will provide technical expertise and conversion services.

Proto Energy managing director Joel Kamau said the company wants to double the number of vehicles running on Autogas, with financing expected to help address the upfront cost of conversion.

“Our ambition is clear: to double the number of Autogas-converted vehicles to 40,000,” Kamau said.

The financing arrangement comes as vehicle owners face pressure to manage fuel and operating costs, with the cost of converting a vehicle to a dual-fuel system potentially presenting a barrier to wider adoption.

The new loan is intended to spread the cost of conversion, allowing eligible vehicle owners to access credit rather than meeting the full cost of the equipment and installation upfront.

Equity Bank managing director Moses Nyabanda said financing could help customers overcome the initial investment required to adopt LPG-based solutions.

“Financing can play an important role in helping customers overcome the upfront costs associated with adopting LPG,” Nyabanda said.

The partnership also extends beyond transport, with Equity Bank and Proto Energy introducing a separate Institutional LPG Conversion Loan targeting schools, colleges, universities and other eligible institutions.

The institutional financing will cover LPG infrastructure, equipment, installation and related solutions, allowing institutions to spread the cost of switching to or expanding their use of LPG.

For Proto Energy, the financing model combines credit with the infrastructure and technical support needed to convert vehicles and institutions to LPG.

The company said the two partners will also explore additional financing and LPG solutions as they seek to expand the market.

The push comes as LPG adoption expands beyond household cooking into transport and institutional use, creating a potential new market for banks seeking to finance energy-related investments.

Family Opens Up on Struggles Facing KCB Executive Before Death

Kibet Tobias

August 24, 2026

The family of Rosemary Chemutai Koech, a senior KCB Bank Group employee, has spoken publicly about the personal difficulties she was facing in the period before her death, describing a woman who had been quietly grappling with marital strain and mounting financial pressure.

Koech, 40, was found dead at her home in the Ole Nairi area of Ngong, Kajiado County, on August 21, 2026.

What the Family Said

Relatives told reporters that Koech had confided in them about frustrations tied to debts she was working to service, alongside difficulties in her marriage. According to the family, these pressures had been building for some time, even as she continued to hold down a demanding and high-profile career.

Circumstances of Her Death

A caretaker at the property said relatives forced open her bedroom door after she failed to respond to repeated calls and knocks. Police who processed the scene said no suicide note was found.

Her body was taken to Lee Funeral Home, where Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor conducted an autopsy in the presence of detectives and family members. The examination determined that she died by suicide.

Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu — Rosemary Chemutai Koech

A Distinguished Career

Koech had built a respected career spanning law, technology, public policy, and data protection.

She joined KCB Bank Group in June 2022 as Data Protection Officer, having previously served as Public Policy Manager at Safaricom. In June 2023, she was promoted to Head of Data Protection, a role in which she oversaw the Group’s data protection compliance. Earlier in her career, she held various legal, regulatory, and public policy positions within Kenya’s technology sector.

Beyond her corporate role, Koech was a well-known figure in Kenya’s digital rights and internet governance community. She served on the board of the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), was Principal of the Kenya School of Internet Governance, and chaired multistakeholder advisory groups for both the Kenya and East Africa Internet Governance Forums.

Following news of her death, KICTANet was among the organisations that paid tribute to her, describing her as an important figure in advancing technology policy, internet governance, and digital rights across the region.

A Loss Felt Widely

Koech’s death has left her family, colleagues at KCB, and Kenya’s broader digital rights and technology policy community in mourning. Tributes have highlighted not only her professional accomplishments but also her role in mentoring and shaping conversations around data protection and internet governance in Kenya and East Africa.

CS Mbadi: Kenyans are rich, they drink too much soda

admin 2025

August 12, 2026

CS Mbadi: Kenyans are rich, they drink too much soda

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has offered an unconventional metric to defend the economic record of President William Ruto’s administration: how much soda Kenyans are drinking.

Responding to criticism of the government’s handling of the economy, Mbadi argued that rising demand for soft drinks points to households having more disposable income after covering their essential needs.

He reasoned that soda is typically a discretionary purchase, one people make only once their basic needs are met, so an uptick in consumption signals improved purchasing power. Speaking to the logic behind the claim, he said sodas are bought by people who have a little extra left in their pockets.

“Soft drinks consumption has gone up in this country. Soft drink. Do you know what that tells you? Who takes sodas? Sodas people take when they have left a little more in their pockets,” Mbadi.

The remarks came as Mbadi pushed back against critics of the administration’s economic performance, insisting the government deserved credit rather than condemnation.

He described the economy as having been close to collapse when the Kenya Kwanza administration took office, and argued that stabilising it since then was an achievement worth celebrating rather than an award-worthy feat gone unrecognised.

Mbadi went further, suggesting that much of the opposition to Ruto’s government was rooted in ethnicity rather than genuine disagreement over economic policy — a claim likely to stoke further controversy given the sensitivity of ethnic politics in Kenya.

“If it is economy, actually we should be called to be celebrated. Some of us should be given awards in this country. Because we have removed Kenya to where it—it was almost tipping. The truth is most of these people are fighting Ruto on ethnic grounds. Not on economy,” he said.

Relief Bill Coming by End of September

Beyond defending the government’s track record, Mbadi used the moment to preview upcoming policy action. He said a bill aimed at easing the financial burden on Kenyans would be tabled in Parliament by the end of September, framing it as part of the administration’s effort to deliver on President Ruto’s promise of relief for citizens.

When pressed on whether that promise would actually be honoured, Mbadi was dismissive of the doubt, asserting that his ministry would see it through on behalf of both the government and the President.

No further details were given on what the bill would contain or how the relief would be structured.

Online Backlash Swift and Pointed

Mbadi’s soda comment quickly drew ridicule on X, where critics accused him of reducing a complex economy to a single, trivial data point. Several commentators noted that standard tools for measuring economic wellbeing — such as GDP per capita, the Human Development Index, poverty rates and median household income — were readily available and far more rigorous than beverage sales.

Others pointed to the World Bank’s own basket of indicators, including real GDP per capita, employment figures and industrial production, contrasting these with what they characterised as Mbadi’s preferred yardstick of soft-drink bottles sold.

Some responses went further, arguing that other consumption indicators actually tell a less flattering story. Critics pointed to reported declines in power consumption, fuel usage, cement and steel sales, and vehicle purchases — all traditionally seen as proxies for broader economic activity — as evidence that paints a weaker picture than the one Mbadi presented.

Notably, Mbadi did not present specific figures during his remarks to substantiate the claimed rise in soft-drink consumption, nor did he offer data linking that rise directly to higher household disposable income. Economists generally caution that consumption of any single product can be shaped by multiple factors beyond income growth, including pricing changes, population growth, product availability and shifting consumer tastes — making it an unreliable standalone gauge of economic health.

The exchange underscores a broader tension in Kenya’s public discourse: while the government continues to point to macroeconomic indicators as evidence of a stabilising economy, many citizens say those gains have yet to be felt in the form of relief from the high cost of living.

CBK Holds Interest Rate at 8.75% as Inflation Ticks Up, Economy Accelerates

admin 2025

August 12, 2026

CBK Holds Interest Rate at 8.75% as Inflation Ticks Up, Economy Accelerates

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) left its benchmark lending rate unchanged on Monday, opting for policy continuity even as inflation edged higher and the economy posted its strongest quarterly growth in over a year.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept the Central Bank Rate (CBR) at 8.75 percent following its meeting, judging that the current stance continues to keep price growth in check without unsettling the shilling.

In a statement explaining the decision, the committee said the unchanged rate remains appropriate to keep inflation expectations anchored within the target band and to preserve exchange rate stability.

Inflation Edges Up, But Stays in Range

Kenya’s headline inflation rose slightly to 6.5 percent in July, from 6.4 percent in June. Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, also inched up to 3.2 percent from 3.1 percent. Non-core inflation, by contrast, eased to 15.0 percent from 15.1 percent, a decline the CBK linked to softer energy-price pressures following government interventions such as fuel subsidies and a temporary cut to value-added tax on petroleum products.

Food prices remain the main source of concern in the inflation basket. The central bank flagged persistent increases in the cost of vegetables, including Irish potatoes, tomatoes, kale, cabbages and onions, as a key pressure point for households.

Looking ahead, the MPC said it expects inflation to hold within its target range in the near term, though that outlook is conditioned on the Middle East conflict not escalating further.

Lending Rates Continue to Fall, Credit Growth Firms Up

Even with the CBR unchanged, commercial banks have kept trimming what they charge borrowers. The average lending rate fell to 14.3 percent in July, down from 14.4 percent in June and sharply lower than the 17.2 percent recorded in November 2024.

Cheaper credit appears to be feeding through to demand. Private-sector credit growth held strong at 10.2 percent in July, only slightly below June’s 10.6 percent, and a dramatic turnaround from the -2.9 percent contraction recorded in January 2025. The CBK pointed to increased borrowing in trade, building and construction, agriculture and consumer durables as evidence that lower rates are stimulating credit uptake across the economy.

Banks Report Improving Loan Books

The health of the banking sector also improved. Gross non-performing loans, as a share of total loans, dropped to 14.6 percent in July from 15.4 percent in April and 17.6 percent a year earlier in August 2025. CBK said the improvement was broad-based, spanning manufacturing, construction, trade, agriculture and real estate, and noted that lenders have continued setting aside provisions against bad loans.

Liquidity and capital adequacy across the banking sector remained strong, the regulator added.

Growth Beats Prior Year, CBK Sees Momentum Continuing

Kenya’s economy expanded 5.3 percent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 4.9 percent in the same period last year, with the industrial and services sectors driving the acceleration.

The CBK is projecting full-year growth of 4.9 percent for 2026 and 5.3 percent for 2027, up from 4.6 percent in 2025, citing resilience in services, strength in industry and steady agricultural output as supporting factors.

The MPC cautioned, however, that risks to the outlook remain elevated. It cited the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, high global energy prices, uncertainty around trade policy, and the potential fallout from El Niño weather patterns as factors that could weigh on growth or reignite price pressures.

Reserves Provide a Buffer

CBK reported foreign exchange reserves of US$15.249 billion, equivalent to 6.3 months of import cover — a cushion officials say provides protection against both domestic and external shocks.

With inflation still within range, credit flowing more freely, and growth outpacing last year’s pace, the central bank’s message was one of steady-as-she-goes: hold the rate, monitor external risks, and let the current policy stance continue working through the economy.

Free medical camp brings healthcare closer to residents at Mwale Medical and Technology City

admin 2025

August 11, 2026

Free medical camp brings healthcare closer to residents at Mwale Medical and Technology City

Residents from Kakamega County benefited from a free medical camp held at Mwale Medical and Technology City (MMTC) in Butere Sub County, Kakamega County, offering hundreds of community members an opportunity to access essential healthcare services.

The medical camp, organised by Hamptons Hospital over the weekend, brought together healthcare professionals who provided free medical consultations, diagnosis and treatment to residents who turned up at the facility.

The initiative was aimed at bringing healthcare services closer to communities while creating awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare and access to affordable medical services.

Community members were screened and assessed by medical personnel, with those found to require treatment receiving appropriate care. The camp attracted residents from the surrounding communities as well as patients who travelled from different parts of the country to seek medical attention.

Speaking during the medical camp, Hamptons Hospital Medical Director Dr. Hosea Shikanda said the initiative was part of the city’s commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances.
He said MMTC would continue working with healthcare providers and other partners to strengthen access to medical services while encouraging communities to take greater responsibility for their health.

“Medical camps are important because they allow us to reach people who may not routinely visit a hospital. They also help us identify health problems early and encourage people to seek treatment before conditions become more serious,” he said. He said the hospital is planning to hold monthly Medical Camps across the region.

A key component of the camp was the sensitisation of residents on the Social Health Authority (SHA), Kenya’s national health insurance programme. Residents were encouraged to register for SHA to enable them to access healthcare services through the scheme.
Many community members enrolled for SHA during the event, with healthcare workers and registration teams helping residents understand the benefits of having active health coverage.

The area Senior Sub-Chief Samson Wandawa said increasing SHA enrolment was critical in reducing the financial burden associated with healthcare, particularly among low-income households in the area.

He commended the hospital for making healthcare universal for the residents.
“We are encouraging every family to register with SHA because health emergencies can happen at any time. Having health coverage gives families a better chance of receiving treatment without being pushed into financial hardship,” Wandawa said.

Hamptons Hospital has also committed to making healthcare more affordable for SHA members by treating them without charging co-payments. The arrangement is expected to make it easier for patients to seek medical attention without worrying about additional payments at the point of care.

The event attracted many corporate and NGO sponsors and participants including Kenya Red Cross, Pepsi , County Government of Kakamega, County Government of Bungoma, Ministry of Health, Catholic Church, ACK and Tindi Mwale Foundation.

The Medical camp is among a series of events that are being held by MMTC in August and September that will culminate at the MMTC’S Global healthcare conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.

This week, MMTC delegation led by its US based Founder Julius Mwale is attending the International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Life Sciences and Healthcare (ICIALH) in Washington DC , USA on August 10th, 2026.

“Our vision is to make healthcare more accessible, affordable and patient-centred. We believe that technology, modern medical facilities and community outreach can work together to transform the way healthcare is delivered in Kenya,” Said Julius Mwale from the Sidelines of the ICIALH event in Washington , DC.

The success of the medical camp at MMTC also highlighted the importance of partnerships between healthcare institutions and communities in addressing barriers to healthcare access which will be discussed at the Washington event.

For residents who attended the medical camp, the camp provided an opportunity to receive medical attention close to home while also learning more about health insurance and available healthcare services.

Mwale said MMTC would continue supporting initiatives that improve the wellbeing of communities and contribute to Kenya’s broader healthcare goals.
“A healthy community is the foundation of a strong economy and a prosperous country. We will continue investing in initiatives that put people first and ensure that quality healthcare reaches those who need it most,” he said.

Mwale Medical and Technology City is a Ksh200 billion major integrated development in Kakamega County that brings together healthcare, technology, commercial, residential and other facilities with the aim of creating a modern economic hub while improving access to essential services for communities. The model is expanding to 12 countries across Africa with a vision of building 18 smart cities by 2050.

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The Basis of the Challenge

The Directive in Question

What Happened

How It Compares to Conventional Surgery

Why Gallbladder Surgery Is Needed

A Broader Push Into Robotic Surgery

Questions of Cost and Access

What the New Fees Look Like

A Wider Net for the Digital Economy

Concerns for Independent Creators

Questions Over Implementation

What the Family Said

Circumstances of Her Death

A Distinguished Career

A Loss Felt Widely

Online Backlash Swift and Pointed

Inflation Edges Up, But Stays in Range

Lending Rates Continue to Fall, Credit Growth Firms Up

Banks Report Improving Loan Books

Growth Beats Prior Year, CBK Sees Momentum Continuing

Reserves Provide a Buffer

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