Kenyans have been urged to strengthen hygiene and preventive healthcare practices to curb disease outbreaks during the ongoing rainy season.
Speaking at the 25-year silver jubilee celebration of Rev. Fr. Adrian Ireri at St. Francis Xavier Siakago Parish, Public Health PS Mary Muthoni warned that poor sanitation and unhygienic conditions could expose communities to diseases, including the emerging Hantavirus threat.
The Principal Secretary called on wananchi to maintain proper hygiene, safe food storage, rodent control, environmental cleanliness, safe drinking water, and improved sanitation to reduce the risk of infections during the rainy season.
She emphasized the importance of regular handwashing and adopting preventive healthcare practices at both household and community levels, noting that prevention remains key in reducing pressure on health facilities.
PS Muthoni further encouraged Kenyans to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover, cautioning against politicizing the program.
She warned that failure to enroll could leave many families without access to proper healthcare services when emergencies arise.
The PS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Universal Health Coverage through SHA and SHIF while improving access to quality healthcare services across the country.
She called for collective efforts in addressing drug and substance abuse among young people, terming it a growing concern in society.
During the event, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Embu, Very Rev. Fr. Eliud Wanyoike, urged Christians to embrace thanksgiving for the blessings they receive from God.
Fr. Wanyoike described Fr. Ireri as a humorous and sociable priest committed to service and encouraged him to continue faithfully serving God and the church.
Other speakers, including Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Kinyua, the Kevote parish priest, and Amy Ruria, praised Fr. Ireri for his dedication to community service, leadership, and sacrifice.
Fr. Ireri thanked all those who attended the celebration, saying it was through God’s grace that he had reached 25 years in priesthood in good health.
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