Rotaract of Malindi and Bahari Mombasa during a medical camp at Kakuyuni dispensary. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti.
More than 700 residents of Kakuyuni in Malindi Sub-County, Kilifi County, have received essential healthcare services through a free medical outreach program, with stakeholders urging young people to prioritize regular health checkups and early disease screening.
The beneficiaries—many of whom struggle to afford treatment at Level Four and Level Five hospitals—accessed a wide range of services, including cataract treatment, dental care, eye examinations, cancer screening, and general medical checkups.
The integrated health camp was organized by the Rotaract Clubs of Malindi and Bahari Mombasa in partnership with the Kilifi County Department of Health, North Coast Medical Training College, and Afya Hospital. The exercise was conducted at Kakuyuni Dispensary.
Speaking during the outreach, Community Health Promoter Geoffrey Mbura noted that many residents continue to suffer from untreated illnesses due to financial constraints.
“Many people suffer from diseases that they cannot treat because of lack of money, but with such medical outreaches, many are now being attended to,” he said.
Mbura also called on expectant mothers to seek professional medical care, noting that although maternal and infant mortality rates have declined, cases are still being reported.
“I urge all pregnant women to attend clinics so they can be monitored and give birth safely to healthy babies,” he added.
Residents expressed relief and optimism following the medical camp. Alex Mkare, who sought treatment for ulcers and other ailments, said financial challenges had previously forced him to rely on traditional remedies.
“I was not feeling well, but I am confident after this process, I am going to feel better,” he said.
Youth leaders used the platform to emphasize the importance of preventive healthcare. Grace Wanjiku, President of the Rotaract Club of Bahari, urged young people to adopt a culture of routine medical checkups.
“I call upon fellow youth to go for frequent medical checkups so that diseases such as cancer can be detected early and treated before they advance,” she said.
Rotaract Club of Malindi President Elijah Odhiambo reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding similar initiatives in underserved areas.
“We identified Kakuyuni after assessing the medical gaps in the community. We will continue working with the Kilifi County Government and other partners to roll out more outreach programs,” he said.
Lead clinician Dr. Erick Deje underscored the need to decentralize specialized healthcare services, particularly eye and dental care, to rural communities.
“These services are mostly available in Malindi town, and many residents cannot afford the cost of travel. There is a need to bring such services closer to the people, even if periodically,” he noted.
Cecilia Kariuki, President of the Rotaract Club at Pwani University, added that patients referred during the outreach would receive free treatment at Malindi Sub-County Hospital.
The initiative highlights the growing role of partnerships in bridging healthcare gaps and improving access to essential medical services in rural Kenya.
