The County Government of Uasin Gishu on Tuesday hosted a high-level Eye Care Systems Assessment Tool (ECSAT) dissemination workshop, bringing together health leaders and stakeholders from across North Rift with an aim of improving eye health services in the region.

The forum, held in Eldoret, was aimed timed to share key ECSAT findings while enabling counties to develop locally driven priority actions to strengthen their eye health systems.

The workshop drew participants from counties including Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Nandi.

Organized in partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, the workshop highlighted critical pillars of eye health systems, including leadership and governance; financing and data management; service delivery; workforce development; infrastructure and equipment; and inter-county collaboration and peer review of priority actions.

Speaking during the event, County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Janet Kurgat underscored the urgent need to expand access to eye care services across health facilities. She emphasized integrating eye health programs into schools to promote early detection and intervention.

Kurgat further highlighted ongoing efforts by the administration of Governor Jonathan Bii, noting that Huruma, Ziwa and Burnt Forest health facilities have already been equipped to offer specialized eye care services.

Echoing the commitment to strengthening eye care, Ben O. K’Olwa, the North Rift Regional Coordinator for The Fred Hollows Foundation, affirmed that the organization will align county work plans with its broader strategy.

“We are keen on elevating eye care services across the region by supporting county-led priorities,” he said.

The workshop also saw participation from County Executives Claire Chemuturai Parklea (West Pokot), Dr Angeline Kirui (Nandi) and Chief Officer for Promotive and Preventive Health in Turkana County, Agnes Mana, in reflecting the collaborative spirit among counties in addressing shared health challenges.

The ECSAT dissemination marks a significant milestone in fostering coordinated, evidence-based approaches to eye health, with counties now expected to translate insights into actionable strategies that will enhance service delivery and improve vision care outcomes for communities across the North Rift.