COUNTY REVIEWS CROSS-SECTORAL REFERRAL GUIDELINES FOR ADOLESCENTS AND TEEN MOTHERS.

The County Government of Kakamega, in partnership with Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS), today hosted a multi-sectoral stakeholders’ meeting to review cross-sectoral referral guidelines aimed at strengthening the county’s referral system for adolescents, teenagers and young mothers while enhancing access to quality healthcare services for all residents.

The meeting brought together officials from the Departments of Health Services, Education, Sports, Gender, and Social Services, whose personnel often encounter teenagers and young mothers requiring urgent medical attention. The guidelines seek to establish a coordinated and efficient referral framework that ensures timely access to emergency medical services especially for reproductive, maternal and child health services across the county.

Speaking during the meeting, CECM for Health Services, Dr. Livingstone Imbayi, noted that once the guidelines are fully adopted and implemented, Kakamega County will have a structured and equitable referral system that guarantees access to appropriate age-specific emergency response and evacuation services across the County.

Dr. Imbayi, further, emphasized that the proposed framework will improve coordination among County Departments, healthcare facilities, and emergency response teams, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and reduced delays in accessing critical care.

CECM for Education, Dr. Benard Amwayi, welcomed the initiative, noting that Education department stands to benefit, especially learners in TVETs and County Polytechnics who are, mostly, adolescents and young adults.

The ICS team, led by Ms. Josephine Odhiambo, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Kakamega County in advancing its quality healthcare agenda through strengthened referral systems and collaborative partnerships.

Present at the meeting were Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr. David Alilah, Chief Officer for Public Health, Mrs. Rose Muhanda, Chief Officer for Sports, Mr. Lawrence Mukoyani, Chief Officer for Gender, Ms. Christine Oside, County Directors, and other stakeholders from the the County.