By Gerald Mutethia
Tharaka Nithi Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisrael during the over of bicycles to Community health Promoters
Tharaka Nithi Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisraeli has hailed the donation of 150 bicycles to Community Health Promoters (CHPs) as a major boost to the delivery of primary healthcare services at the community level in the county.
Speaking while presiding over the handover ceremony, Muisraeli said the bicycles will significantly enhance mobility, reduce travel time and improve emergency response, especially for pregnant mothers, newborns and patients living with chronic illnesses.
“The CHPs are the backbone of primary healthcare. Their daily work is fundamental to the success of universal health coverage through household visits and early disease identification,” said Muisraeli.
The bicycles were donated by Buffalo Bicycles in partnership with Village Hopecore International to support CHPs operating in hard-to-reach and geographically dispersed areas across Tharaka Nithi County.
Muisraeli noted that the initiative aligns with the county’s Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and is expected to improve household coverage, immunisation tracking, follow-up of defaulters and community-level disease surveillance. He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting CHPs through training, digital tools and continuous supervision to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
Village Hopecore International founder Kajira Mugambi described community health promotion as a calling that gives life meaning and purpose, urging CHPs to remain hopeful and committed in their service.
“Serving as a CHP is about choosing to live a life of significance to others. Your flames of hope should not go out as you continue to serve the people,” said Mugambi, while thanking the donor and the county government for supporting community health workers.
Buffalo Bicycles Africa Region Coordinator Maureen Kolenyo said the organisation recognises the critical role played by CHPs in improving health outcomes, noting that their efforts are invaluable.
“In health, distance is everything. It can mean the difference between life and death, early or delayed care, crisis or solution,” said Kolenyo.
She said the bicycles, which can carry loads of up to 100 kilograms, will improve the quality of life of CHPs while enhancing service delivery. The bicycles can also be used for economic activities such as accessing markets, helping improve livelihoods.
Kolenyo added that mechanics will be trained in various sub-counties to ensure proper maintenance of the bicycles for long-term use, expressing hope that more resources would be mobilised to equip all CHPs in the county.
The donation is expected to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of primary healthcare services across Tharaka Nithi County.
