By SHABAN MAKOKHA
April 30, 2026| Eye health services in Kakamega County have received a game-changing boost. Rotary Club International has donated state-of-the-art surgical equipment worth Sh23 million to the newly constructed eye unit at the Kakamega County General and Referral Hospital (CGH).
This gift is more than machines and metal. It marks a turning point in the county’s push to expand specialized medical care and transform outcomes for thousands suffering from preventable or treatable eye conditions.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Governor, Kakamega Health CECM Dr. Livingston Imbayi praised Rotary for what he called a timely and transformative investment.
“This donation will greatly enhance the capacity of our expanded eye unit and raise the quality of services offered to patients,” Dr. Imbayi said. “Many residents who previously had to travel long distances for eye surgery will now receive world-class care right here at home.”
The equipment—modern diagnostic and surgical machines—will now power advanced procedures including cataract removal, glaucoma treatment, retinal care, and corrective eye surgeries.
Medical Services Chief Officer Dr. David Alilah noted that the ongoing expansion positions Kakamega as a future centre of excellence in eye care. Improved infrastructure, he said, continues to attract donor support and broaden specialized services.
“With facilities like this, we are creating confidence among partners,” said Dr. Alilah. “The more we strengthen our infrastructure, the more support we receive to improve specialized treatment.”
The county has steadily invested in specialized units as part of broader healthcare reforms aimed at reducing referrals to hospitals outside the region.
Chief Officer for Public Health Mrs. Rose Muhanda highlighted the critical role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in raising awareness, identifying at-risk patients, and boosting referrals. With modern equipment now in place, she said the eye unit is bracing for a surge in patient numbers.
“We expect higher turnout because the community now understands the value of early detection and treatment,” Muhanda said. “The CHPs are doing tremendous work in linking patients to care.”
During the handover, the hospital hosted a free eye surgery camp targeting elderly and low-income residents who often cannot afford specialized treatment. Dozens underwent surgery, while many more received screening, medication, and follow-up care. Officials described the event as a powerful testament to the county’s commitment to equitable healthcare.
The donation also brought together key health sector leaders—Dr. Stephen Wandei (Director for Medical Services), Dr. Christian Lamba (Medical Superintendent, CGH), and Dr. Augustine Ajevi (Kakamega Eye Health Coordinator). Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the equipment delivers safe, reliable, and high-quality surgical services.
With this new technology, Kakamega County is poised to become a regional powerhouse in eye health. The expanded unit will reduce long-distance referrals, shorten wait times, and ensure that residents—especially the most vulnerable—receive timely, affordable, specialized care.
The partnership with Rotary Club International stands as another reminder of what collaborative effort can achieve in public health.
For thousands of residents across Kakamega, the blur of distant hope has finally come into focus. Improved vision and better health are no longer distant dreams—they are a clear, achievable reality.