GOVERNOR BARASA TAKES FREE AI-POWERED TB SCREENING TO THE DOORSTEP OF KAKAMEGA RESIDENTS.
Residents of Kakamega are benefiting from a free Tuberculosis (TB) screening campaign organized by the County Government of Kakamega under the leadership of Governor Fernandes Barasa, bringing essential health services closer to the people through the use of AI-powered digital chest X-ray technology.
The outreach, which kicked off today at Somken in Kakamega Town, targets conductors, traders and other members of the public, with services running daily from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The campaign will move to Makutano Junction, Shikambi on Thursday before concluding on Friday at Vike Hotel Grounds, where the focus will be on key populations.
Besides TB screening, residents are also receiving free HIV testing, ensuring comprehensive community health services at no cost. According to Dr. Carolyne Kaibei, the Lurambi Sub-County TB and Leprosy Coordinator, 177 people had been screened at Somken, with 26 identified as suspected TB cases and referred for further medical evaluation and confirmatory testing.
The initiative is a major relief to residents, considering that a chest X-ray in many hospitals normally costs about KSh 1,000. By offering the AI-assisted digital X-ray screening free of charge, the county government is removing financial barriers that often prevent people from seeking early diagnosis and treatment.
Chief Officer for Public Health, Rose Muhanda, who is overseeing the exercise, encouraged residents to take advantage of the free services, emphasizing that early detection saves lives, reduces the spread of tuberculosis, and improves treatment outcomes.
Also present during the exercise was Director medical services Dr. Steve Wandei, Supporting partner Community asset building and development action (CABDA) Program officer Mr. Dickens Ojijo alongside other senior county government officials.