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COUNTY EYEING PARTNERSHIP WITH USAID HERO

The USAID Health Equity and Resource Optimization (USAID HERO) Project is exploring a partnership with the Uasin Gishu County Government’s Department of Social Protection to bolster the implementation of social protection policies and programs at the county level.

This initiative was discussed during a meeting attended by Anthony Sitienei, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Social Protection, along with officials from the Kenyatta University-led USAID HERO team.

The meeting focused on evaluating the progress of social protection programs implemented by both the National Government, Uasin Gishu County, and development partners.

CECM Sitienei expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership will lead to significant improvements in our health financing and social protection systems, ultimately enhancing health outcomes.”

He further noted, “Today’s meeting provides an excellent platform for discussing how we can work together to achieve these objectives. We are eager to learn more about the goals and strategies for implementation.”

The County Director for Social Protection, Peter Ruto, also expressed gratitude to the USAID team and Kenyatta University for driving this crucial initiative. “We are committed to working together to achieve our shared goals and improve health and social protection outcomes for the most vulnerable in our community,” Ruto said.

Dr. Mwiathi Peter from USAID HERO highlighted the project’s mission, emphasizing that its programs are designed to support the most vulnerable individuals in accessing quality healthcare, thereby improving overall health outcomes.

The collaboration comes in alignment with the finalization of the National Social Protection Policy 2024, which is set to be launched by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. Kenyatta University, through USAID HERO, will play a key role in supporting Uasin Gishu County in the implementation of this new policy.

The meeting was also attended by members of the County Assembly’s Committee on Gender, Social Protection, and Culture, including Hon. Patrick Kimaiyo, Hon. Richard Kering, Hon.Robert Kering, and Hon. Regina Chumba. Other officials present included the County Director for Education, Joseph Keroney, and the Deputy Director for Culture, Paul Sambu.