The Ministry of Health has officially launched the Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani Initiative in Kiambu County, marking a major step in strengthening community-based public health interventions across the country.
Kiambu becomes the 12th county to roll out the Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani Initiative, following earlier activations in Turkana, Nakuru, Murang’a, Tharaka Nithi, Kisumu, Migori, Narok, Kisii, Machakos, West Pokot and Laikipia.
The programme is anchored under the community-centred Universal Health Coverage model, Afya Nyumbani, which brings preventive and promotive health services directly to households.
The Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani programme adopts a multi-pronged approach that includes community mobilisation through clean-up activities and environmental conservation; improved sanitation and hygiene practices to reduce water and sanitation-related diseases.
It also includes preventive public health interventions at the household level, environmental conservation, including tree planting, strengthened county leadership and local governance and sustainability frameworks to secure long-term impact.
Speaking during the activation ceremony, Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni noted that more than 107,000 Community Health Promoters have been mobilised nationwide, serving 9,100 Community Health Units and supporting 315 Primary Care Networks.
The Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani campaign in Kiambu County initiative is aimed at promoting clean environments and healthy living at household and community level.
“This flagship initiative is transforming healthcare delivery by bringing preventive and promotive services directly to households and communities,” Muthoni said.
“This campaign is founded on a simple but powerful principle: clean environments save lives. By promoting sustainable sanitation, responsible waste management, and environmental stewardship, we aim to reduce sanitation-related diseases and entrench a culture of health beginning in every home.”
Muthoni emphasised that environmental cleanliness is a frontline defence against disease.
She noted that nearly 50 per cent of illnesses are linked to environmental factors, adding that the initiative will be rolled out across all counties to reduce preventable disease and strengthen community-centred public health.
“Like many rapidly urbanising counties, Kiambu County continues to face significant public health risks linked to solid waste management, congestion, unregulated business growth, and climate change,” she said.
During the event, the PS inaugurated a 16-member Kiambu County Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani Multi-Agency Steering Committee to coordinate implementation, enforcement, and accountability of the initiative at county level.
Muthoni directed public health officers to strictly enforce existing public health laws, particularly those relating to sanitation, hygiene, and environmental management.
She urged residents to practise basic but lifesaving hygiene measures, including hand-washing after toilet use, regular bathing especially for children proper waste disposal, and maintaining clean surroundings.
She warned that poor hygiene and unsafe environments contribute to diseases such as cholera, bilharzia, and malaria, stressing the importance of clean markets, functional dustbins, and well-managed public spaces.
On water and sanitation, she emphasised the use of safe drinking water and consistent toilet use, calling on county governments to prioritise and adequately resource public health services.
The PS encouraged early health-seeking behaviour and registration with the Social Health Authority (SHA), where primary healthcare services are provided free of charge.
Muthoni also raised concern over illicit brews and narcotic drug abuse, particularly in Kiambu and neighbouring counties, warning that substance abuse destroys families, disrupts education, and increases the risk of serious illnesses, including cancer.
The exercise concluded with a market clean-up, reinforcing the message that clean environments are the foundation of healthy communities.