By KUNYOBO CORAZON
A service delayed is a service denied.
Siasa Place arranged a follow-up baraza at Mumbetsa community, Idakho North Ward,
Ikolomani Sub-county, Kakamega County.
The residents complained about the services offered at the health facilities in the ward.
"One day, I came home at 3:00 pm and found my son unwell. I rushed him to the
dispensary only to be told to go the next day because it was late. He was unattended to.
Later that night, he got worse, and I had to rush him to the private hospital," a resident
said, complaining that Elwesero Health Center, Shichinji Dispensary, and Shiseso
Dispensary, usually stop attending to patients as early as 2:00 pm, with the former
dispensary only having one nurse, limiting the quality of services offered.
Another resident once visited the health centre and was told it was late.
Regarding health service provision, the health facilities do not have enough medicines,
and one has to buy them from the chemist.
Participants also highlighted delays in county bursary disbursement, which has made
students postpone their examinations due to unpaid fees.
They also requested to know the criteria used to issue these bursaries.
Community members do not know their Ward Administrator, nor when there is public
participation.
Tele Zomo, from Siasa Place, educated them on the importance of participating in
public participation as it will help them be part of the decision-making processes.
Even though the Mumbetsa community appreciates the advocacy efforts of Siasa Place
that led to the construction of an ablution block at Mumbetsa Primary School, it is clear
there is a need for change to ensure the offering of quality services.
